LINCOLN – Greg Sharpe, the voice long associated with Nebraska football and baseball, passed away on Friday after battling pancreatic cancer for nearly a year.
Sharpe, who wrapped up his 17th full season as the lead play-by-play announcer for the Huskers in December, was 61 years old. He is survived by his wife Amy and daughters Emily, Campbell, and Taylor. The family released a statement through Nebraska on Saturday morning, honoring Sharpe as a “wonderful husband, father, brother, friend, and broadcaster” for NU.
“His passion and energy while calling Husker football and baseball brought joy to many over the past 17 seasons,” the statement said. “While we mourn his loss, we find comfort in knowing his legacy will endure through the moments he narrated and the relationships he cultivated.”
Publicly known for his powerful voice and charismatic personality, those close to him recognized his loyalty and commitment to them.
Nebraska Athletic Director Troy Dannen, who played a key role in dedicating the Memorial Stadium radio booth to Sharpe in late January, expressed condolences on behalf of the university.
“This is a difficult day for everyone,” Dannen said in a statement. “Not just for those who knew him well and worked alongside him, but for Husker fans who fondly remember his calls during significant moments in Nebraska history.
“Greg was an extraordinary person and a friend to all. In short, he embodied what it means to be a Husker, and he will always be remembered as one.”
The Nebraska fan community, deeply appreciative of Sharpe’s passion for the Huskers, smooth baritone voice, and detailed, insightful commentary mixed with humor, showed their support for him and his family after he disclosed his cancer diagnosis during his “Sports Nightly” show last April.
“It’s overwhelming and makes me reflect on the impact I didn’t realize I had,” Sharpe said last May. “It’s been very humbling.”
Known as “Sharpie” by many, he began calling Husker football games midway through the 2007 season and NU baseball games in 2008. His first experience with Nebraska was as a fill-in broadcaster for pay-per-view football events.
Marc Boehm, a former NU athletics administrator who advocated for Sharpe’s hiring, noted that it was fitting for Sharpe to pass on Valentine’s Day, as he spread love to everyone he met. Boehm first met Sharpe as fellow broadcasting students at Kansas State in the mid-1980s.
As a freshman, Sharpe approached Boehm, then a junior, about calling games together, and they began working on KDSB student radio for Manhattan High School football. After some time, Boehm recognized Sharpe’s talent and suggested they switch roles, leading to Sharpe’s successful career.
Nebraska baseball honored Sharpe last season with a Husker jersey presented on the field, and players and coaches wore “Sharpe Strong” patches on their hats. This tribute coincided with Jackson Brockett pitching the team’s first nine-inning individual no-hitter in 70 years against Sharpe’s alma mater, Kansas State.
Due to treatments, Sharpe was unable to call most of NU’s baseball games last year, but he made a notable return for the Big Ten tournament finale, where the Huskers won their first league tournament title since 2005 in a thrilling 2-1 victory over Penn State.
“It’s been tough for him and his family,” baseball coach Will Bolt remarked during the season. “When we learned of his situation, we committed to dedicating the season to Sharpie.”
Named the Nebraska Sportscaster of the Year for 2024 in late December, Sharpe grew up in Olathe, Kansas. A key influence in his early career was Mitch Holthus, the longtime voice of the Kansas City Chiefs, with whom Sharpe worked in various capacities. He also spent six years calling K-State football and basketball starting in 1996.
Last spring, Sharpe set a goal of being present for the football opener on August 31, and he called the game from his usual booth at Memorial Stadium.
He broadcasted some road football games remotely this season, and his next hope, as he shared in an October video, was to attend his daughter Emily’s wedding on February 22.
Loved ones and Nebraska sports were vital inspirations for Sharpe both before and after his cancer diagnosis. He was always focused on those around him rather than on himself.
“This is the love of his life,” Amy Sharpe shared concerning Nebraska sports in the Fox feature. “His family is incredibly important, too, but I won’t deny that Nebraska sports are right up there.”
Reactions from fans and colleagues poured in on Saturday. Longtime baseball broadcast partner Ben McLaughlin expressed his sorrow over the loss of his best friend and support for the Sharpe family on social media.
“Greg taught us all how to live and treat others,” McLaughlin wrote.
The Huskers Radio Network began their softball coverage with a heartfelt montage of Sharpe’s calls from significant football and baseball moments. HRN’s pregame baseball broadcast featured an emotional reflection from Nick Handley and McLaughlin, who left an empty chair between them, signaling their intention to do so throughout spring.
“This 2025 season is dedicated to our friend Greg Sharpe, our brother Greg Sharpe, and our leader Greg Sharpe,” McLaughlin said, pausing to gather himself.
The team received the news Friday night after a 10-5 loss to UC Irvine in their season opener. Coach Will Bolt remarked on HRN Saturday that the situation puts things into perspective.
“We’re somewhat divided in our emotions right now,” Bolt said. “But I promise when we step onto the field for the game, the team will be ready to give their best in a way that honors Greg.”
Boehm noted that Sharpe’s humility was a rarity in such a successful individual. He prepared diligently for broadcasts but was equally driven by spending quality time with his family.
“He was motivated not only by his career but also by his family,” Boehm said. “He constantly spoke of his daughters and Amy and their adventures together. That dedication to both family and profession was what truly set him apart.”
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