Paul William “Bear” Bryant (September 11, 1913 – January 26, 1983) was an American college football player and coach….who was best known as the head coach of the University of Alabama football team…..where during his 25-year tenure as Alabama’s head coach….he amassed six national championships….a feat that is tied for the most in modern college football history in 2019….along with winning thirteen SEC conference championships….when upon his retirement in 1982…..he held the record for most wins as head coach in collegiate football history with 323 wins.
The Paul W. Bryant Museum, Paul W. Bryant Hall, Paul W. Bryant Drive and Bryant–Denny Stadium are all named in his honor at the University of Alabama. He was also known for his trademark black and white houndstooth fedora, deep voice, casually leaning up against the goal post during pre-game warmups…..and holding his rolled-up game plan while on the sidelines. Before arriving at Alabama, Bryant was head football coach at the University of Maryland, the University of Kentucky and Texas A&M University.
Lindsey Nelson (May 25, 1919 – June 10, 1995) was an American sportscaster best known for his long career calling play-by-play of college football and New York Mets baseball….where he spent 17 years with the Mets and three years with the San Francisco Giants.
For 33 years Nelson covered college football….including 26 Cotton Bowl Classics….five Sugar Bowls….four Rose Bowls….and 14 years announcing syndicated Notre Dame games.
He is in 13 separate Halls of Fame….including induction into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame in 1979….the New York Mets Hall of Fame in 1984….the American Sportscasters Association Hall of Fame in 1986….the Tuss McLaughry Service Award for sports broadcasting in 1988….the Ford C. Frick Award from the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1988….the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award from the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990 and many more. He was awarded an Emmy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1991…..as fans remember a talented broadcaster…..who was an expert storyteller….and a true sports enthusiast…..where from his colorful jackets to his equally colorful broadcasts and enthusiastic manner of speaking….Lindsey Nelson established himself as one of the industry’s leading sportscasters.
Television broadcasts featuring Nelson were notable for his multi-colored plaid sports jackets….as he reportedly owned 335 of them at one time. During a broadcast, his jackets often clashed with the set and produced a scintillating effect in the broadcast image. But he figured that if fans could see rather than just hear broadcasts….he might as well give them something interesting to talk about.
Legendary sportscaster Lindsey Nelson provides a wonderful tribute to Alabama Coach Bear Bryant in this video herewith…..which is nothing but “pure gold” in our treasure chest of vintage memories here at ImaSportsphile.
