As the 2023 men’s NCAA tournament closed on Monday night, college basketball fans got one last goodbye from CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz.
The longtime NCAA tournament fixture recently shared that he was leaving CBS’ coverage of March Madness after more than three decades on the mic.
Nantz got quite a hero’s welcome as he prepared to call his last Final Four, and he become emotional as he signed off with a spin on his classic catchphrase, “Hello, friends.”
“Thank you for being my friend,” an emotional Nantz told the CBS viewers as his voice trembled a bit.
It was the perfect way for folks at home to say goodbye to Nantz covering one of the biggest sports celebrations of the spring.
"Thank you for being my friend"
Jim Nantz with some amazing words as he wraps up his final National Title Game ❤️ pic.twitter.com/NtxPkxzcAp
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) April 4, 2023
An emotional Jim Nantz completes his last college basketball broadcast pic.twitter.com/Nwtr99sdNB
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) April 4, 2023
College basketball fans were in their feelings as Nantz said goodbye.
JIM NANTZ SIGNED OFF WITH “THANK YOU FOR BEING MY FRIEND” pic.twitter.com/JZWMk8Sz4S
— Kevin Pulsifer (@imPULSEivity) April 4, 2023
“Thank you for being my friend”
I’m in shambles
— Chris Hatfield (@_ChrisHatfield) April 4, 2023
Jim Nantz’s final words on the broadcast “thank you for being my friend”. No sir, thank you.
— Chick Hernandez (@MrChickSports) April 4, 2023
“Thank you for being my friend”🥲🥲🥲
— Morgan Moriarty (@Morgan_Moriarty) April 4, 2023
“Everybody has a story to tell…just find that story.” -Jim Nantz signing off.
🥲
— George Hathaway (@hathawaygeorge9) April 4, 2023
"Thank you for being my friend…" why did that Jim Nantz sign off make me weepy
— Caroline Darney (@cwdarney) April 4, 2023
That’s actually an awesome way to sign off by Jim Nantz for his last Final Four pic.twitter.com/6AmXVjd8Vp
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) April 4, 2023
No Jim. Thank YOU! #helloFriends. #MarchMadness #blessed #jimNantz https://t.co/KKAbCmSIxy
— Emily K.G. (@EmilyKumlien) April 4, 2023
Perfect ending Jim Nantz. 👍 https://t.co/FhvfpQ418z
— Brian Barnhart (@BBarn64) April 4, 2023
Thank you Jim Nantz. 🫡 #MarchMadness
— Jason Thompson (@jasonrthompson) April 4, 2023
Going to miss Jim Nantz calling college basketball games…#MarchMadness won't be the same. 🐐
— Mike Leone (@mikevleone) April 4, 2023
“Thank you for being my friend.” What a way to close out the broadcast and a career calling the best games in college basketball by Jim Nantz. https://t.co/WL3eGpxapK
— Edward Foster (@Edward_Foster4) April 4, 2023
These Jim Nantz tributes might be a little much since he’s going to be back on our tv in three days but the man’s earned it. Thank you, Jim.
— Michael Patritti (@MichaelPatritti) April 4, 2023
Thank you… Jim Nantz = Legend 💚
— Shayne 😎 #SaveRoswellNM #Echo #OTH #Naley (@shayne_davis21) April 4, 2023
March Madness won't be the same without ya #JimNantz https://t.co/uvAJbhGFAu
— DaeDae (@markham246) April 4, 2023
Thank you, Jim Nantz.
— Josh (@callmeWise) April 4, 2023
