Nebraska play-by-play announcer dies at 61

Greg Sharpe, the play-by-play voice for Nebraska football and baseball since 2008, died Friday at age 61.

Sharpe's family announced his death through a statement released by the school on Saturday, 10 months after Sharpe revealed he was battling pancreatic cancer.

"While his passion and energy on the call of Husker football and baseball brought joy to so many for the past 17 seasons, it comforts us to know that his legacy will live on through these same moments that he narrated and through the relationships that he built," his family wrote in a statement. "While the public knew him for his booming voice and infectious personality, those closest to him knew him for his loyalty and dedication to them."

Sharpe called Nebraska's final three football games in 2007 and became the team's permanent announcer for Huskers Radio Network the following year, when he also took on baseball coverage.

He was in the booth for several Cornhuskers football games last fall and was honored as the Nebraska Sportscaster of the Year for the second time. The university's athletic department renamed Sharpe's press box workspace in his honor last month.

"Greg was more than an announcer; he was a storyteller, a champion for our student-athletes, and a constant, trusted presence for all who love this university," Nebraska president Jeffrey P. Gold said in a release. "His impact will endure in the memories he created and the legacy he leaves behind."

Sharpe is survived by his wife and three daughters.

--Field Level Media