Nebraska Football's Voice, Greg Sharpe, To Miss Illinois Game Amid Cancer Battle

In a heartfelt announcement, it has been confirmed that the Nebraska Cornhuskers will be without their esteemed radio play-by-play announcer, Greg Sharpe, for tonight’s crucial top-25 clash against Illinois at Memorial Stadium. This news was shared by Jessica Coody, co-host of the popular show "Sports Nightly," who opened the program with heavy hearts. "I must begin with a message that saddens me deeply," Coody said. "As our listeners are aware, Greg has been valiantly fighting cancer, and his determination to be part of every football game this season has been truly inspiring. However, he is unable to join us for tonight’s broadcast due to a scheduled medical procedure related to his ongoing treatment."

Coody further noted that while this is a setback for Sharpe, he remains optimistic about returning to the microphone for the Huskers’ upcoming road game against Purdue next week.

Greg Sharpe, a stalwart of the Huskers Radio Network since 2008, is well-known for his dedication and expertise. Before his time with Nebraska, he made a name for himself as a broadcaster for Kansas State Athletics, where he covered both football and basketball from 1996 to 2002.

In an emotional update shared on April 15 during an episode of Sports Nightly, Sharpe revealed his cancer diagnosis, explaining that he and his wife had learned of the diagnosis a few weeks prior. He expressed at that time that he was nearing a point where treatment would be essential, mentioning that these treatments might affect his ability to perform his duties with the Nebraska Radio Network.

Despite his health challenges, Sharpe displayed remarkable resilience, returning to call several Nebraska baseball games before leading the team through an impressive run in the Big Ten Tournament held in Omaha.

Sharpe’s contributions to Nebraska football broadcasting have been prominently featured in various media, including the Big Ten Network’s mini-series 'The Journey', which celebrated his final broadcast during Nebraska's decisive 34-3 win over Northern Iowa earlier this season.

Stepping into the play-by-play role for tonight’s game will be seasoned broadcaster Bill Doleman, who is also a lecturer in Sports Media and Communication at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Doleman comes equipped with a wealth of experience, having worked across various national and regional platforms including NBC, ABC, and Fox.

To ensure seamless coverage, Nebraska Athletics and the Huskers Radio Network have been on standby for such eventualities throughout the season. Notably, other prominent broadcasters, such as Kevin Kugler and Larry Putney, have also lent their voice to the broadcasts alongside Sharpe.

Alongside Doleman, Damon Benning will continue his role as the analyst for the football broadcast. Fans can tune in as the No. 22 ranked Nebraska faces off against No. 24 Illinois, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. CDT.

Catch Jessica Coody's full remarks and listen for an anticipated update from Sharpe on tonight’s edition of Sports Nightly.

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CLOSINGS & CANCELLATIONS

LINCOLN — As he continues his battle against cancer, Nebraska football radio play-by-play announcer Greg Sharpe will not call this evening’s game against Illinois. The Husker sports network made that announcement this week.

Sharpe, diagnosed earlier this year pancreatic cancer was able to call the first three games this season. He will miss tonight’s game due a scheduled procedure. Sharpe hopes to return to the booth for Nebraska’s road game at Purdue.

Filling in tonight be longtime broadcaster Bill Doleman, who is now a sports media & communication lecturer at UNL. Doleman has worked for a number of national and regional networks, including NBC, ABC, Fox, Big Ten Network and The Mtn, which covered Mountain West conference sports. He also worked for Nebraska Public Television earlier in his career.

Bill Boyer

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