Greg Sharpe, known as the “Voice of the Huskers,” died Friday after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 61.
Heartbreaking Loss: Huskers’ 61-Year-Old Huskers voice Passes Away After Courageous Battle With Cancer….
After a six-year stint at Kansas State, Sharpe began work at Nebraska as the football program’s play-by-play announcer to close the 2007 season. For 17 years, he showcased his talents through Nebraska Athletics and the Husker Radio Network as a host, producer and senior broadcaster. He was most recognized as Husker Radio’s play-by-play voice for Nebraska football and baseball.
On April 15, Sharpe announced that he had been diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer the month prior. Despite this, he remained steadfast in his service to Husker Athletics, still appearing in Husker Radio Network pregame coverage when his health forced him out of the booth.
In December, the National Sports Media Association awarded Sharpe the Nebraska Sportscaster of the Year award. Weeks later, the University of Nebraska recognized his legacy by renaming the radio booth he broadcast from for over a decade in his honor.
A statement from the Sharpe family released Saturday speaks in part to his unwavering dedication to his role as the voice of Nebraska Athletics:
“Over the last 12 months Greg has fought a very public battle with pancreatic cancer. Even though it was a grim diagnosis at the time, Greg chose to live and not to fear. He leaned into his faith, family and of course his professional calling of broadcasting Husker athletics. Without the support from the University of Nebraska, Playfly Sports and of course the best fans in college athletics, Husker Nation, he may not have been able to continue to fight and live the way that he did.”
Athletic Director Troy Dannen also shared a statement following Sharpe’s passing:
“On behalf of everyone in the Nebraska Athletic Department, I would like to share our deepest condolences with the family of Greg Sharpe. This is a tough day for everyone. Not only those who were close to Greg and those who had the opportunity to work with him, but also for Husker fans who have fond memories of Greg’s calls of iconic moments in Nebraska history.
“Greg was an incredible person and was a friend to everyone. Simply put, he defined what it meant to be a Husker, and he will always be a Husker.”
Sharpe is survived by his wife, Amy and their three daughters.
