RIP To Broadcasting Icon Keith Jackson

Sad news in the sports world. Broadcasting icon Keith Jackson passed away Friday night.

Keith Jackson, who was widely regarded as the voice of college football by several generations, died late Friday night, his family said. He was 89.

Jackson, who retired in 2006, spent some 50 years calling the action in a folksy, down-to-earth manner that made him one of the most popular play-by-play personalities in the business.

“For generations of fans, Keith Jackson was college football,” said Bob Iger, Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company. “When you heard his voice, you knew it was a big game. Keith was a true gentleman and memorable presence. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Turi Ann, and his family.”

He was 89.

People are crushed. “Whoa Nellie” is trending on Twitter right now, actually.

The voice of college football and so much more has left us. My mentor and dear friend, Keith Jackson passed last night surrounded by his family. Truly one of the greats in the broadcasting industry. I am grateful for my time with a true legend. Thank you for the lessons KJ. pic.twitter.com/SPGIZXrZNA

— Todd Harris (@TheToddHarris) January 13, 2018

.Keith Jackson 'Whoa, Nellie! Rest In Peace…CFB Broadcaster #LEGEND pic.twitter.com/HWt5Vsa3ty

— CHRISTINA AGUAYO (@TinaAguayoTV) January 13, 2018

The GREAT Keith Jackson has died. He coined the word "Whoa, Nellie" and "We have two teams here that really don't like one another" #RIPKeithJackson #WhoaNellie pic.twitter.com/m7DSydHTew

— 🎙Wayne Dupree (@WayneDupreeShow) January 13, 2018

Whoa Nellie – Heaven is getting a great one.

The great Keith Jackson has died. Rest in peace Keith. Thank you for so much. Prayers. pic.twitter.com/lB1tju13Ac

— FootballScoop Staff (@FootballScoop) January 13, 2018

"Whoa Nellie," broadcasting icon Keith Jackson has died at age 89. There are so many memorable calls he has made and the Rose Bowl hasn't been the same without him. Rest in Peace, Keith. You are missed. pic.twitter.com/Uwr1gbXJ75

— Ticket Express (@TicketExpressNE) January 13, 2018

We lost a great one today. This man made the game I luv come alive in my home as a child. R.I.P. Keith Jackson you are already being missed. WHOA NELLIE!!!!!!

— Broderick Fobbs (@GSUCoachFobbs) January 13, 2018

"Whoa, Nellie": saddened to hear of passing of Keith Jackson, who will be remembered as one of the legendary voices of CFB. Nothing better than a fall SAT with Jackson at the mic. Another piece of my childhood that now belongs to the ages. #RIPKeithJackson

— Jim Mojo Morrison (@JimMojoMorrison) January 13, 2018

Keith Jackson passing away is indeed a sad day to be sure. What an absolute titan and legend of College Football broadcasting he was! "WHOA NELLIE!" one final time for Keith.

— Ian Cameron (@bobano) January 13, 2018

“Whoa Nellie”, “Hello Heisman”, “He’s Going for the Corner”…R.I.P. to the voice behind the greatest college football game ever. “4&5, the national championship on the line…” https://t.co/IK1ItLvNwO

— Chris Ogbonnaya (@ChrisOgbonnaya) January 13, 2018

Keith Jackson was the voice of college football. Rest In Peace my friend 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/2YcAaRKoan

— Marcus Allen (@MarcusAllenHOF) January 13, 2018

THE voice of college football and one of the most iconic voices of all time, RIP Keith Jackson. Thank you for all of the incredible Saturday’s.

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 13, 2018

A voice so big and majestic it lifted any game he broadcasted to a new stratosphere of importance.

Whoa Nellie. RIP Keith Jackson.

— Angelo Di Carlo (@angdicarlowndu) January 13, 2018

Rest easy, Mr. Jackson. You will be missed!