If you’ve been to an Ohio State football game in the past 20 years, you’ve been greeted by the booming voice of Bob Kennedy. The longtime Buckeye stadium announcer passed away on Sunday at the age of 59.
Kennedy took the mic in 2003 and never gave it back, giving fans in the stands a game-day experience that could only be felt in person. Along with Saturdays in the fall, Kennedy also announced other OSU sports such as baseball and he lent his baritone voice to the Columbus Clippers and Otterbein College.
Buy Buckeyes TicketsAssociate Athletic Director for Communications Jerry Emig had glowing words for Mr. Kennedy.
“Bob had a big heart and he loved his Buckeyes,” Emig said. “And, he loved his PA jobs. He was a true professional at his craft and a friend to us all. He knew the local media, our administrators, coaches and student-athletes, and he certainly knew the histories well of many Ohio State sports, and he loved to talk about them.”
You may or may not know Bob Kennedy by name, but you know his voice. He’s been the man behind the mic at Buckeye games, Clippers games, Otterbein games for decades.
A kind-hearted, cheerful guy who navigated health issues the past few years. Today we learned Bob has passed. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/FxRatxxJlL— Jerod Smalley (@JerodNBC4) April 30, 2023
If you head to a football game at the Ole’ Horseshoe this fall, you’ll probably notice it sounds a bit different. Whoever Ohio State tabs to replace Bob Kennedy will have big shoes and a big voice to fill.
Our condolences go out to the Kennedy family.
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