Longtime Tennessee broadcaster John Ward dies
John Ward, known for decades as the “Voice of the Vols” as the radio play-byplay broadcaster of University of Tennessee athletics, died Wednesday, according to the Vol Network. He was 87 and had been battling a lengthy illness.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce a great voice has gone silent,” the Vol Network announced in a release Wednesday evening. “Mr. John Ward, legendary advertising executive, and one of the most beloved broadcasters and ambassadors for the University of Tennessee, passed away this evening in Knoxville.
“Mr. Ward brought Tennessee football and basketball to life for millions of Tennesseans to the forefront of marketing and broadcasting, and remains the standard by which all others are measured. While it is a sad day for all Vol fans, we take great pride in the fact that John Belonged to us. Only the Tennessee Volunteers could call John their own, and he was proud to be the “Voice of the Vols.” He loved his alma mater, the fans, and the state of Tennessee. He remains the very heartbeat of the Vol Network.”
Ward began play-by-play duties for basketball in 1965 and assumed the same role for football three years later. He continued in that role through the 1998 season, which culminated in a national championship for Tennessee’s football team.
Ward’s unmistakable voice was best known for his catchphrases, such as “It’s football time in Tennessee!” when the team ran onto the field, as well as “Give him six!” after a Tennessee touchdown and “Good!” or “Bottom!” for a made shot in basketball.
Ward, who was named the state’s sportscaster of the year 28 times, was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 1991. The fourth level of the Neyland Stadium press box was named the John Ward Broadcast Center in 1995.