"Whoa, Nellie!"
Keith Jackson handled his final game at the Fiesta Bowl the same as any other. He ended with the score -- and once again showed the class and dignity that has made him a broadcasting legend."Congratulations," Jackson began his final moments on the air at approximately 12:15 a.m. Tuesday EST. "Final score -- Tennessee 23, Florida State 16. And so it is done. I say good-bye to all of you. God bless and good night."
Jackson made certain not to get caught up in the emotion of the conclusion of his career -- not even in the game's waning moments. He has always managed to shy away from the attention, instead focusing it where it belongs -- on the game.
The 70-year-old broadcaster thanked Bob Griese, his partner of 12 seasons, sideline reporter Lynn Swann, fans and players. But there were no tears, just professionalism.
"My cup will always be half-full," Jackson said. "As Sir Winston Churchill once said, 'I am easily satisfied with the very best."'
"You are the very best," Griese replied.
Some fans held up signs as the clock ran out. One read, "Last Call. A Brilliant Career. Thanks, Keith."
Jackson, who said one of the reasons he is retiring is because his eyes are not what they used to be, showed he is still a master at calling play-by-play.
After Florida State scored to narrow Tennessee's lead to 23-16, Griese said the Seminoles' ensuing onside kickoff recovered by Florida State appeared clean.
But Jackson disagreed, and his aging eyes proved correct. Replays showed the ball hit the Florida State kicker within a few yards of booting the ball and the referees awarded the ball to the Vols.
ABC devoted a four-minute clip of Jackson highlights during halftime, dating back to his early years when he began calling college football games with the network in 1966. Jackson also worked NBA, NFL games and the Olympics, but was always best known for college football.