There is a vacuum in the hearts of the University of Colorado and Denver Broncos supporters with the gentle departure of the famous voice of sports, Larry Zimmer, at the age of 88.
Larry Zimmer Reason for Death:
According to the NewYorkPost, 88-year-old radio icon Larry Zimmer, who was well-known for his longtime support of the Denver Broncos and the University of Colorado, departed quietly. After being admitted to St. Anthony’s Hospital in Lakewood, Colorado, for ten days, Zimmer passed away in the company of his loved ones. His cause of death remains undisclosed at this time.
Rick George, the athletic director for the Buffaloes, sent his sincere sympathies, calling Zimmer “A CU institution.” Known for being inextricably linked to the school’s sports department, fans, players, and coaches all found resonance in Zimmer’s voice. His contribution to CU’s sporting history went beyond only game commentary; he was also a master of ceremonies for a number of events. George’s moving speech emphasized Zimmer’s significant influence on the sports world as a whole and ended with well wishes for his family.
The Denver Broncos expressed their condolences for the passing of Larry Zimmer, a renowned radio commentator for the team and a seasoned Broncos Ring of Fame committee member. Zimmer has made a substantial contribution to the team’s history since 1971, providing the voice behind some of the most memorable events in franchise history. The club expressed its sorrow on social media, highlighting Zimmer’s contribution to calling historic games and aiding in the preservation of the greatest Broncos icons. The Broncos community will always cherish his legacy as a broadcaster and committee member, and his passing will signal the end of a chapter in the team’s history.
Larry Zimmer: Who was He?
Renowned in the sports broadcasting industry, Larry Zimmer was especially appreciated for his major contributions to the University of Colorado and the Denver Broncos. As the Broncos’ radio voice for 26 years, from 1971 to 1996, Zimmer was essential to the team. He began his career in 1971 as a color commentator and worked his way up to become a play-by-play announcer in 1990. Zimmer’s distinctive voice is associated with some of the most iconic moments in the history of the Broncos, having been a part of 536 games, including four Super Bowls and postseason fixtures.
In addition to his work with the Broncos, Zimmer had a lasting impression at the University of Colorado, where he was the Buffaloes’ radio voice for a considerable amount of time. Zimmer called more than 1,000 games for the institution throughout his illustrious career, including 525 men’s basketball games and 486 football games (including 22 bowl games). Zimmer’s influence goes well beyond the broadcast booth; he spent 42 years of his career on the Colorado campus and is well respected in the Denver and Boulder sports communities. His farewell address for the Buffaloes in 2015 signaled the end of an era for CU sports and left a deep impression on the hearts of supporters.
Profession:
Over the course of several decades, Larry Zimmer’s successful broadcasting career demonstrated his versatility and competence in covering a wide range of sports. His early dedication to the trade of sports broadcasting was evident throughout his trip, which started in Missouri and continued during his Army assignment in Oklahoma. Zimmer made a big transition to WAAM in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1966 when he took on the role of “voice” for the football, basketball, and hockey teams of the University of Michigan Wolverines.
But it was in Colorado that Larry Zimmer really rose to fame as a broadcaster. Following his 1971 arrival at KOA Radio and Television, he gained instant recognition as the face of University of Colorado football and was dubbed the “voice of the Buffaloes.” Zimmer has received many honors throughout the years for his services to college football broadcasting. During the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame luncheon in New York City in December, he was presented with the Chris Schenkel Award. This award, which recognizes sportscasters who have had outstanding careers reporting college football at a single university, pays tribute to Zimmer’s unwavering dedication to the University of Colorado.
Beyond collegiate football, Zimmer’s career included 19 seasons of color commentary for the Denver Broncos and play-by-play work for the American Basketball Association’s Denver Rockets. After KOA Sports Director Bob Martin passed away, Zimmer took up the play-by-play for the Broncos for seven more seasons. As the “voice” of the Colorado Caribous of the North American Soccer League, he also had an impact on the world of soccer.
Even after formally leaving his position as KOA Sports Director in 2004, Larry Zimmer stayed involved in the media and continued to color commentate on CU football broadcasts. He continued to be incredibly dedicated even after retiring, having finished his 36th season of covering Colorado football in 2009. Due to his tenacity and love of sports broadcasting, Zimmer was inducted into the Broadcast Professionals of Colorado Hall of Fame, which further cemented his reputation as a famous figure in the history of the state’s sports.
Personal Information:
One of the great legacies of the legendary sportscaster Larry Zimmer is a loving family. In addition to his wife of 51 years, Brigitte, Zimmer is also survived by his daughter Tracy, granddaughter Shannon, and son Lawrence. Brigitte’s 51-year marriage to him is evidence of the strong relationships and life experiences they shared.
Unquestionably, Zimmer’s family was a major source of support for his remarkable career, experiencing both the highs and lows of his adventure as a sports broadcaster. Larry Zimmer’s family may find comfort in the memories he left behind, both personally and professionally, and in his significant influence on the sports world, even as they grieve the death of a cherished husband, father, and grandpa.
Early Life:
The native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Larry Zimmer set out on a career path that would eventually make him a well-known personality in the sports broadcasting industry. Although Zimmer’s parents and siblings are unknown, his academic career started at Louisiana State University. Later on, in 1957, he received his journalism bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri. His subsequent career in broadcasting was made possible by this intellectual background.
After graduating, Larry Zimmer served two years as an active member of the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of 1st Lieutenant. During his military duty, he showed his dedication and received the Army Commendation Medal in recognition of his outstanding efforts. Early in life, Zimmer’s trajectory was characterized by academic success and national duty, laying the groundwork for his eventual extraordinary sports writing and broadcasting career.
Successes:
Throughout his six-decade broadcasting career, Larry Zimmer has garnered several accolades that attest to his adaptability and skill in reporting a broad spectrum of athletic events. He covers World Cup ski events, Olympic games, NFL Europe, the College World Series in Omaha, NCAA, and regional basketball for major networks, including NBC, CBS, and ESPN. Zimmer’s experience included hosting syndicated television coverage of the 1990 World Disabled Championships at Winter Park and radio coverage of the 1989 World Ski Championships in Vail.
Zimmer won the White Stagg Award for Excellence in Ski Journalism five times as a result of his significant contributions to the field. His five-time winning of the Colorado Sportscaster of the Year Award further demonstrated his influence on the state’s sports broadcasting landscape. Zimmer’s reputation as a leading broadcaster in the state was further cemented when he was named Colorado Broadcaster of the Year in 1996.
In addition to his successes on-air, Larry Zimmer was a dedicated educator in the industry. He continued to impart his vast expertise as an adjunct professor of sports journalism at the University of Colorado until his demise. In order to preserve his legacy and help develop the next wave of sports announcers, Zimmer and his wife founded an endowed sports announcing scholarship at CU. The broadcasting of historic events, his enduring influence on the sports journalism industry, and the training of future sports broadcasters are only two examples of Larry Zimmer’s accomplishments.
What Was the Status of Larry Zimmer?
Larry Zimmer, a longtime radio host, died at the age of 88 following a 10-day stay in St. Anthony’s Hospital in Lakewood, Colorado. In remarks issued following Zimmer’s demise, the University of Colorado and the Denver Broncos both extended their condolences. Rick George, the athletic director for the Buffaloes, described Zimmer as “A CU institution,” highlighting his crucial part in the school’s sports department. The Broncos recognized Zimmer as a renowned radio host who has called some of the most memorable events in the franchise’s history since 1971 and helped to celebrate the team’s greatest legends.
What Caused Larry Zimmer’s Death?
Veteran radio host Larry Zimmer, who was 88 years old, died quietly in his family’s presence. After being admitted to St. Anthony’s Hospital in Lakewood, Colorado, for ten days, he passed away. The cause of Larry Zimmer’s demise remained a mystery. In remarks following his passing, the Denver Broncos and the University of Colorado both highlighted Zimmer’s important contributions to the school’s athletic department. Rick George, the athletic director for the Buffaloes, also expressed sadness over his passing. The Broncos recognized his renowned standing as a radio host and his contribution to honoring the greatest icons and memorable events in team history.
Notice of Death:
With Larry Zimmer’s death, a loud voice in athletics was silenced. An icon of the Denver Broncos and the University of Colorado, he left a lasting legacy of superb broadcasting spanning six decades. Often referred to as “A CU institution,” his voice was ingrained in sporting history and offered more than just analysis. The vacuum left by the legendary radio broadcaster Larry Zimmer extends beyond basketball courts and football grounds. His passing is greatly mourned because of his legendary position and lasting influence. His family is in our thoughts and prayers. RIP to a broadcasting legend whose name will always be remembered by sports fans and the annals of sports history.
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