Tributes Pouring In For Legendary Broadcaster Who Died During NCAA Tournament
03/21/2025 08:19 PM
The Kansas Jayhawks had heartbreaking news to share with their fans during the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Legendary broadcaster Bob Davis has passed away at the age of 80. He was the "Voice of the Jayhawks" because he called Kansas basketball games for more than three decades.
"Bob Davis is synonymous with Kansas Athletics for generations of fans, who grew up listening to his calls of some of the most important moments in KU history," Kansas athletic director Travis Goff said. "Bob's love and passion of the Jayhawks shined through during the broadcast with his beloved radio partners. For more than three decades, Bob represented Kansas Athletics in exemplary fashion and connected Jayhawk fans everywhere with his famous one-liners and detailed storytelling. We send our deepest love and prayers to his family and will forever be grateful for his service to KU."
Davis was on the call for the Jayhawks' national championship victories in 1988 and 2008. He finally decided to retire from the booth in 2016.
Over the past few hours, countless people have offered their thoughts on Davis' legacy. It's pretty evident he made a large impact on the Kansas community.
"Saddened by the news of Bob Davis' passing," one person said. "Spent a lot of time with Bob over the years & there wasn't a finer, funnier man who called everyone a friend & was always up for a good conversation about anything. A true legend in his profession who never acted like it. RIP, Bob."
"Prayers to the Davis family. Legendary career and just a tremendous person," another person wrote. "Always enjoyed visiting with Bob."
"RIP legend. The voice that helped me fall in love with KU Athletics and ultimately lead me to be a diehard fan and alumni. I used to sync the radio to the TV so I could listen to him on football games instead of the TV announcers.
Davis is a member of the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame and Fort Hays State Tiger Athletics Hall of Fame. He's survived by his son, Steven, his daughter-in-law, Katie, and his grandchildren.
Our thoughts are with the Davis family.
