Nebraska’s Beloved Voice Greg Sharpe Dies at 61 After Cancer Battle

LINCOLN, Neb. — Greg Sharpe, the revered radio voice of Nebraska football and baseball, passed away on Friday following a public battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 61 years old.

Sharpe had been a prominent figure in the broadcasting of Husker athletics since 2008, captivating audiences for 17 seasons across various Flood Communication radio stations, including Cheyenne County Country and 987 The Big Boy in Sidney. His family commemorated him as a dedicated husband, father, brother, and friend whose impact reached beyond the press box.

“While his passion and energy on the call of Husker football and baseball brought joy to so many for the past 17 seasons, it comforts us to know that his legacy will live on through these same moments that he narrated and through the relationships that he built,” the Sharpe family said in a statement.

Sharpe’s struggle with pancreatic cancer lasted more than a year, during which he approached his diagnosis with resilience and tenacity. “Even though it was a grim diagnosis at the time, Greg chose to live and not to fear,” his family reflected. “He leaned into his faith, family, and of course his professional calling of broadcasting Husker athletics.”

Troy Dannen, the Nebraska Director of Athletics, offered heartfelt condolences on behalf of the university, describing Sharpe as an integral part of the Husker community. “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,” Dannen said.

Sharpe joined Nebraska’s football broadcast team for the last three games of the 2007 season before becoming the full-time play-by-play voice in 2008. In addition to his football duties, he was the lead broadcaster for Husker baseball for the same duration. His contributions earned him recognition, including the title of 2024 Nebraska Sportscaster of the Year, marking the second time he received this honor.

He is survived by his wife, Amy, and their three daughters, Emily, Campbell, and Taylor. Memorial arrangements will be announced in due course.

Much of the fan base expressed their grief following his passing, recalling Cherished memories and iconic broadcast moments. Support for Sharpe swelled after he revealed his illness on the “Sports Nightly” show last April. His dedication gained momentum as Nebraska baseball honored him during the 2024 season, presenting him with a team jersey on the field while players wore “Sharpe Strong” patches.

“It is overwhelming, and it kind of makes me stop and think about the impact that I didn’t know I had,” Sharpe said in an emotional moment last May.

As the Nebraska baseball team clinched their first Big Ten tournament championship since 2005, Sharpe was in attendance to call the thrilling 2-1 victory over Penn State. “This has taken a toll, and I’m sure his family is feeling it,” Nebraska baseball coach Will Bolt stated. “When we found out, we dedicated the rest of the season to Sharpie.”

Born in Olathe, Kansas, Sharpe graduated from Kansas State University and began his broadcasting career under the mentorship of Mitch Holthus, the notable voice of the Kansas City Chiefs. Over the years, Sharpe transitioned from regional radio shows to a successful career in collegiate sports.

His final goal, ahead of his health challenges, was participating in the August 31 football opener, a goal he accomplished. Sharpe had aspirations to attend the wedding of his daughter, Emily, later this month, further underscoring his dedication to family and the sport he loved.

In the eyes of loved ones and fans, the legacy of Greg Sharpe will endure through the memories he created and the joy he brought to many across Nebraska.