Longtime CBS college basketball analyst Billy Packer has died at the age of 82.
Jim Nantz, a CBS Sports colleague and friend, spoke out on Friday during the third round of live coverage of Farmers Insurance Open. He called him “one the most important figures” in CBS Sports’ proud history.
Nantz will be calling the San Diego golf action remotely from Kansas City. He’ll be doing play-by-play on Sunday for the Chiefs’ match against the Cincinnati Bengals at the AFC Championship. He worked for the NCAA Tournament for 18 years, culminating with the Final Four.
“Billy won 34 national championships before he retired in 2008. He was a real character. Nantz stated that he was fearless in his commentary and deeply loyal to his family.
From 1975 to 2008, Packer was the Final Four Coordinator for CBS and NBC.
Brandt, Packer’s son and a producer at Golf Channel posted a tribute message to his father via Twitter on Thursday night.
Rest in Peace, my best friend, dad, and mentor. His example was what I aspired to be all my life. He taught me how to be a father, husband, and prepare for a telecast. It was just too much. But we have peace knowing Billy is in Heaven tonight with Barb pic.twitter.com/xdM6pi2a2P
Brandt Packer (@BPACKERVOLS January 27, 2023
Mark Packer, Packer’s son, told the Associated Press that Mark had been in Charlotte, North Carolina for three weeks. He had multiple medical issues and eventually succumbed to renal failure.
Mark stated that Mark enjoyed the Final Fours. He was precise in timing it. Timing is everything in life. He was delighted to be able to participate in something he knew he would enjoy. Then college basketball took off with Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, and March Madness became the most popular college basketball event.
Packer joined CBS as an analyst in 1981 when the network bought the rights to the NCAA Tournament. He remained with the network until 2008.
Sean McManus is the Chairman of CBS Sports. He said Packer was “synonymous” with college basketball for over three decades and established the standard of excellence in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
During Friday’s pre-round coverage, Golf Channel paid tribute to Billy Packer.
Thank you @RichLernerGC @GolfARob @BCBO1 for your tribute to my father. The Packer Family is very grateful. We are so excited to be back with the NBC & Golf Channel teams
Brandt Packer (@BPACKERVOLS January 27, 2023
Jace Evans, USA TODAY Sports, contributed to this article.
