No American sport has quite benefited from the evolution of the country like college football. Once viewed as a niche sport in the early 20th century, the implementation of television, the normality of attending college, and the population shift South and West paved the way for the sport to be only second to the pro game in popularity in the American life.
It is sad news today that Brent Musburger—our guide on and off the field, from the Swamp to the Horseshoe—will be renewing his contract with ESPN in a reduced role. No more will we be treated to the smooth purr and hints at the backdoor cover on a last second safety. The lion of broadcasting is being relegated to the 14 SEC campuses as he assumes the lead broadcaster for the SEC Network launching this fall.
For a reminder of the better days, let’s view a fine reel of Uncle Brent.
Perhaps Uncle Brent’s most impressive legacy was his ability to evaluate talent in the stands.
For instance, when Florida State topped the Miami Hurricanes for the first time in six years, no one cared. That's because Uncle Brent introduced us to the FSU Cowgirls, led by Jenn Sterger.
Jenn catapulted to instant notoriety, scoring on-camera positions with the former Versus channel and a SI column.
Jenn was also involved in a "he said-she said" dalliance with Brett Favre, a fact that distracted critics from her ability to singlehandedly increase applications to FSU.
No worries, Jenn. True Uncle Brent fans still remember you.
Uncle Brent had considerably better success launching another college student's career. People will long remember the 2013 title game for the introduction of Katherine Webb.
While Jenn was but a enthusiastic fan who leveraged her exposure into a career, Katherine was a seasoned local Birmingham personality. She was Miss Alabama 2012.
Katherine has thrived as the Mrs to her QB boyfriend. She earned the couple a couple bucks being featured in a Carl's Jr. ad while her boyfriend languished under his amateur athlete status.
Thanks for the wonderful memories, Uncle Brent. You've earned the SEC Network one more viewer. Just what ESPN planned all along.