Skip navigation
Site powered by
Latest news:
msnbc.com: Top msnbc.com headlines: 9 die in Kosovo avalanche; child survives

‘Whoa, Nellie!’ Keith Jackson might retire

Announcer, 77, to only return if ESPN executives can talk him out of leaving

KEITH JACKSONAP file
Sportscaster Keith Jackson admits he's making on-air mistakes now. ‘I'm 77 and I feel it,’ Jackson told the paper, ‘and I hate it.’

Keith Jackson has not retired from ABC Sports, but he reportedly is seriously contemplating it. He told the New York Times Wednesday night that he planned to tell ESPN executives in discussions that begin Thursday: "I'm retired. Talk me out of it.' "

He added: "My posture is, I consider myself retired. I can feel the fork. Fifty-three seasons is a long time."

Jackson told the Times he did not expect to be persuaded to stay but would listen to any offer from ESPN, which operates ABC Sports. "Their approach has been, 'Tell us what makes you comfortable,' " he said.

Jackson admits he's making on-air mistakes now.

"I'm 77 and I feel it," Jackson told the paper, "and I hate it."

Jackson planned to retire after the 1998 college football season but was asked to stay by Howard Katz, then the new head of ABC Sports.

© 2011 NBC Sports.com

advertisement
Slide show
Image: Snee, 8, son of New York Giants player Chris Snee and head coach Coughlin's grandson plays in the confetti after the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game in Indianapolis
  The Week in Sports Pictures
The Giants on top of the football world, getting ready for the London Olympics and more.

more photos

Video: Football from NBC Sports
Memphis fulfills BCS dream
Tigers officials thrilled to announce that school has been accepted to join the Big East Conference in 2013.

Slideshow
Image: Joe Paterno
  Joe Paterno (1926-2012)
A look at the career of legendary Penn State coach Joe Paterno

NBCSports.com

Slideshow
Image:
  BCS title game
Check out photos of Crimson Tide's victory over Tigers.

more photos

Slideshow
Image: Kansas State running back Pease is tackled by Arkansas defensive tackle Jones during the Cotton Bowl Classic football game in Arlington, Texas
  Bowled over
Check out the action from the postseason games.

NBCSports.com

Slideshow
Kansas vs Oklahoma State
  All-American team
Check out which players were best of the best at each position.

NBCSports.com

Slideshow
Image: Rose Bowl Game presented by Vizio - Wisconsin v Oregon
  College cheer
Check out some of the college football cheerleaders from across the country.

NBCSports.com