Brad Nessler is a distinguished American sportscaster known for his extensive career in broadcasting college football, college basketball, and the NFL. Born on June 3, 1956, in St. Charles, Minnesota, Nessler’s journey from a small-town enthusiast to a prominent voice in sports media is both inspiring and noteworthy.
Early Life and Education
Growing up in St. Charles, Minnesota, Nessler developed an early passion for sports and storytelling. He pursued this interest academically by attending Minnesota State University, Mankato, where he graduated in 1977.
During his time at the university, he honed his broadcasting skills by working with the campus radio station, KMSU. This hands-on experience laid the foundation for his future career in sports commentary.
Initial Career in Atlanta
After completing his education, Nessler embarked on his professional broadcasting journey in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1980, he joined WGST-Radio as a sports anchor and talk show host.
His role expanded to include play-by-play announcer duties for Georgia Tech basketball from 1980 to 1985.
He provided commentary for Atlanta Falcons games during the 1982 to 1988 seasons. His versatility was further demonstrated through his play-by-play coverage of the Minnesota Vikings in 1988 and 1989.
Tenure with CBS Sports
Nessler’s affiliation with CBS Sports began in 1990, marking a significant milestone in his career. Over the years, he contributed to various sports broadcasts, including:
NFL Games: Providing play-by-play commentary for numerous NFL matchups.
College Football: Covering major college football games, enhancing the viewing experience for fans nationwide.
College Basketball: Bringing excitement to college basketball broadcasts, including the NCAA Division I Women’s Championship game.
Speed Skating at the 1992 Winter Olympics: Serving as the network’s host for speed skating events during the Albertville Games.
Transition to ESPN and ABC Sports
In 1992, Nessler joined ESPN, where he became a prominent voice in sports broadcasting. His roles included:
College Basketball and Big Ten Football: Delivering insightful commentary and analysis for these sports.
College Football: Taking on significant assignments, including calling major bowl games.
NBA Coverage: From 2002 to 2004, he served as a broadcaster for NBA games, including the NBA Finals.
Monday Night Football: Contributing to ESPN’s Monday Night Football broadcasts between 2006 and 2011.
His association with ABC Sports began in 1997, where he continued to expand his repertoire by covering various sports, including college football and basketball.
Contributions to EA Sports Video Games
Beyond traditional broadcasting, Nessler lent his voice to EA Sports’ video game series. He was featured as a commentator in the NCAA Football series alongside Kirk Herbstreit and in the NCAA March Madness basketball series with Dick Vitale.
His engaging commentary added authenticity and excitement to the gaming experience for sports enthusiasts.
Return to CBS Sports
In May 2016, CBS Sports announced that Nessler would return as the lead play-by-play announcer for college football coverage starting in the 2017 season.
Partnering with analyst Gary Danielson and later with Jenny Dell, Nessler has continued to elevate CBS’s sports broadcasts, particularly in covering the SEC (Southeastern Conference) games.
Personal Life and Legacy
Nessler’s personal life reflects his professional dedication. He resides in the Atlanta area with his wife, Nancy, and their daughter.
Beyond his broadcasting achievements, Nessler’s commitment to community service is evident through events like “The Nessler Memorial,” a charity golf tournament he hosts annually in his hometown of St. Charles. The tournament honors his late father, Bob, with all proceeds directed towards cancer research.
His contributions to sports broadcasting have not gone unrecognized. Nessler has been inducted into the Minnesota State University Sports Hall of Fame and the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame, solidifying his status as a significant figure in the industry.
FAQs
Who is Brad Nessler?
Brad Nessler is an American sportscaster known for his extensive career in broadcasting college football, college basketball, and the NFL. He currently serves as a play-by-play announcer for CBS Sports.
What is Brad Nessler’s educational background?
Nessler graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato, where he began his broadcasting career by handling radio broadcasts for the school’s sports teams on the campus radio station.
What teams did Brad Nessler cover early in his career?
In the early stages of his career, Nessler provided play-by-play commentary for Georgia Tech basketball (1980–1985) and the Atlanta Falcons (1982–1988). He also covered the Minnesota Vikings (1988–1989) and Miami Dolphins preseason games.
Which major sports networks has Brad Nessler worked for?
Nessler has worked for several major sports networks, including CBS Sports (1990–1992), ESPN (1992–1997), ABC Sports (1997–2002), and the NFL Network (2011–2013). He returned to CBS Sports in 2016.
Has Brad Nessler been involved in any video game projects?
Yes, Nessler lent his voice as a commentator in EA Sports’ NCAA Football series alongside Kirk Herbstreit and in the NCAA March Madness basketball series with Dick Vitale.
What is “The Nessler Memorial”?
“The Nessler Memorial” is an annual charity golf tournament hosted by Brad Nessler in his hometown of St. Charles, Minnesota. The event honors his late father, Bob, with all proceeds directed towards cancer research.
Where does Brad Nessler currently reside?
Nessler resides in the Atlanta area with his wife, Nancy, and their daughter.
What recent sports events has Brad Nessler covered?
In November 2024, Nessler called the University of Minnesota’s football game against Penn State, marking his first Gophers home game since 2015.
How can I contact Brad Nessler for professional inquiries?
For professional inquiries, you can contact Brad Nessler via email at brad.nessler@gmail.com.
The Bottom Line
Brad Nessler’s career trajectory showcases a blend of passion, versatility, and excellence. From his humble beginnings in Minnesota to becoming a household name in sports broadcasting, his journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring broadcasters. His ability to adapt across various sports and media platforms highlights his exceptional talent and enduring influence in the world of sports commentary.
