Jim Nantz: The Shocking 2036 Retirement Date And 7 Milestones That Define His Legendary $40 Million Career

As of December 2025, Jim Nantz remains the undisputed voice of American sports, a broadcast legend whose tenure at CBS Sports spans four decades and includes calling the biggest events in football, basketball, and golf. From his iconic "Hello Friends" greeting to his signature sign-off, Nantz has delivered the soundtrack for generations of sports fans, cementing his status as the only broadcaster to ever host the Super Bowl, the NCAA Final Four, and the Masters Tournament—a feat known as the "Nantz Triple Crown."

The conversation around his future has never been more intense, especially after a recent, very specific revelation about his planned exit from one of his most beloved events. While he continues to call major NFL games, including his 500th game earlier this year, fans are desperate to know: when will the voice of a generation finally step away from the microphone, and what recent milestones have defined his incredible career?

Jim Nantz: A Complete Biography and Profile

Jim Nantz’s life story is as storied as the events he covers, a testament to dedication and passion that began long before he became a household name. His journey from a promising college golfer to the most recognizable voice in sports broadcasting is detailed in his comprehensive profile.

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• Full Name: James William Nantz III
• Date of Birth: May 17, 1959 (Age 66 as of late 2025)
• Place of Birth: Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.
• Education: University of Houston (B.A. in Broadcasting, 1981)
• Spouse(s): Lorrie Carlsen (m. 1983; div. 2009); Courtney Richards (m. 2012)
• Children: Caroline, Finley, and Jameson
• Career Start: Joined CBS Sports in 1985
• Key Roles: Lead play-by-play commentator for the NFL on CBS, The Masters, and the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament (Final Four).
• Estimated Net Worth (2025): Between $15 million and $40 million, with an annual salary reported to be in the $5 million to $10.5 million range.
• Notable Honors: Five-time National Sportscaster of the Year, Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award, and induction into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame (2024).

The Nantz Legacy: Key Career Milestones and The 'Triple Crown'

Nantz's career is defined by longevity, professionalism, and an uncanny ability to rise to the occasion for the world's most-watched sporting events. His signature "Triple Crown" accomplishment—calling the Super Bowl, the Final Four, and the Masters in the same year—is a unique feat that may never be matched.

Recent Milestones That Define His Current Era

Even four decades into his career, Nantz continues to rack up impressive, career-defining numbers. The period between 2024 and 2025 has been particularly significant, solidifying his place in broadcast history and ensuring his voice remains central to the biggest games.

• Super Bowl LVIII (2024): Nantz called his seventh Super Bowl in February 2024, an overtime thriller between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers, alongside his broadcast partner, Tony Romo.
• 500th NFL Game (January 2025): A remarkable benchmark was reached when Nantz called his 500th National Football League game, a testament to his unparalleled commitment to the sport.
• North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame (2024): In a nod to his roots and his national impact, Nantz was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 2024.
• The Masters and the 'Hello Friends' Tradition: Nantz has been the lead voice for The Masters since 1989, a role he cherishes. His opening line, "Hello Friends," has become one of the most beloved traditions in sports broadcasting, often tying the emotional weight of the tournament to his late father, James Nantz Jr.
• NCAA Final Four Dominance: He has called an astounding 354 NCAA Tournament games in his career, making him the definitive voice of March Madness.

His partnership with former NFL quarterback Tony Romo on the CBS A-team has become one of the most talked-about duos in sports, with Nantz's polished, authoritative style providing the perfect foil to Romo's insightful and often prescient analysis.

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The Final Call? Jim Nantz's Surprising 2036 Retirement Plan

The question of retirement has followed Nantz for years, but he recently provided a surprisingly specific answer, revealing a plan that ties his career conclusion to a historic golf anniversary. This revelation has sent a clear message to the sports world: the end is in sight, but it's still over a decade away.

In a candid discussion, Jim Nantz outlined his "scheduled retirement date" from The Masters broadcast as April 14, 2036. This date is not arbitrary; it marks the 100th anniversary of the first Masters Tournament, making it a perfectly symbolic moment for the legendary broadcaster to step away from the event he holds dearest.

Nantz stated that 2036 would be "a perfect place to walk out," indicating a desire to end his Masters tenure on a significant and celebratory note. While this date is specifically for his role at Augusta National, it gives fans a clear timeline for the final chapter of his career.

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The Impact of a Long Goodbye

The 2036 retirement date means Nantz will continue to be the voice of The Masters for over another decade. This long horizon allows the network and fans to prepare for the inevitable transition, unlike the abrupt departures of some other sports legends.

Meanwhile, his NFL commitment remains strong. Nantz is still the lead play-by-play announcer for CBS's AFC coverage, and he has recently been involved in speculation about record-setting viewership. He believes a 2025 Thanksgiving matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Dallas Cowboys has the potential to break television records.

While the 2036 date provides clarity for the Masters, his commitment to the NFL and the Final Four remains open-ended, though it is widely expected that his retirement from all major events will likely follow a similar timeline. The legacy of his voice, his famous calls like "A tradition unlike any other" at the Masters, and his ability to capture the drama of the moment will continue to resonate for years to come.

For now, Jim Nantz is focused on the present, continuing to deliver the polished, professional, and passionate commentary that has made him one of the most beloved figures in the history of sports broadcasting. Every game he calls from here on out is another step toward that historic 2036 sign-off.