Rose Bowl to host celebration of life for broadcaster Keith Jackson – ESPN – College Football Nation Blog

LOS ANGELES – At the Rose Bowl, one of the hallowed places where Keith Jackson felt most at home, friends and family of the late broadcaster will hold a celebration of life in his honor Sunday.

The event is free and open to the public, with doors opening at 3 p.m. local time.

Considered the voice of college football, Jackson provided a unique soundtrack to the game for more than five decades before retiring in 2006. Jackson died in January at the age of 89.

Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts was Jackson’s broadcast partner on television later in his career and will be a speaker at Sunday’s ceremony.

Other speakers included Bob Griese, Todd Harris, Lynn Swann, Hall of Fame basketball player Anne Meyers Drysdale and Jason Gesser, former quarterback at Washington State University, Jackson’s alma mater.

Tim Brandt, who worked with Jackson as a college football analyst at ABC, will serve as master of ceremonies.

“Being in the same business, and then being in the same room and in the same booth with him, it was very special,” Fouts said. “There are many words to truly describe our relationship, and it starts with friendship.

“He showed me a lot. He helped me a lot. And we enjoyed each other’s company a lot.”

Fouts talks about the unique way Jackson paints a picture for college football audiences on game day, and it keeps the former Chargers quarterback on his toes.

“I think the big thing was paying attention to what he was saying and appreciating how he was saying it,” Fouts said. “Giving him space to do his thing, and him respecting my space — that’s what makes for a good team.

“He said things differently and colorfully, and sometimes took me out of what I was going to say, because what I was going to say sounded so stupid,” Fouts said with a laugh.

What got to the audience listening to Jackson was the sincerity of his approach, Fouts said.

“He was genuine, unique and kind,” Fouts said. “His generosity came through in his broadcasting. He was fair on both sides. He was, as they say in the business, good listening, because it was smooth, accurate and informative.”

Those who attend the memorial service will hear stories and anecdotes about Jackson from Jackson’s friends and former colleagues, as well as videos they may not have heard, including Jackson’s signature voice.

“It’s going to be really special,” Fouts said. “And it’s only fitting that it’s in the Rose Bowl.”