Legendary Iowa broadcaster Bob Brooks dies at age 89, community reacts
Iowa lost a legend on Saturday.
Correction: The B1G lost a legend on Saturday.
Legendary Iowa broadcaster Bob Brooks died at age 89. The Cedar Rapids native spent 57 years of his life broadcasting various Iowa sporting events.
He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004, and he was a member of the Kinnick “Wall of Fame.” He had been a fixture in the state since he graduated from journalism school in 1948.
Fittingly, the last season of Iowa football that Brooks witnessed was arguably its best in school history. He got to enjoy Iowa’s unblemished regular season and he was on hand to cover the Hawkeyes’ first Rose Bowl appearance in a quarter century.
Those who knew “Brooksie” and got to work with him had strong reactions to his passing on social media:
Bob Brooks was a great dude. Sad to see he passed away. You knew you were talking with a legend when he interviewed and it was an honor.
— Pat Angerer (@PAngererUSA) June 26, 2016
Bob Brooks…what a life he had. A fair, straight-up and good and decent man, friend to all. We will miss him.
— Mark D. Rudner (@BigTenMarkTV) June 26, 2016
On a fine fall afternoon Bob Brooks made 2 young kids from Solon feel very special. James and Jake have never forgot that. Bob was the best.
— Greg Morris (@shoeguyiowa) June 26, 2016
No words can express our sorrow today. Condolences to the entire Brooks family. I hope all can enjoy the stories being shared.
— Steve Roe (@Hawkeyelefty) June 26, 2016
In all, Bob Brooks was our version of Jack Buck. He was a pro and he remains beloved. #RIP pic.twitter.com/7zqxZAKSpT
— Scott Dochterman (@ScottDochterman) June 26, 2016
My heart aches at the passing of the legendary Bob Brooks. Such an honor to have known him. A true gentleman, … https://t.co/SsFLK82Qnl
— Zach Johnson (@ZachJohnsonPGA) June 26, 2016
More on the passing of a true Iowa legend ..a Big 10 broadcasting icon in Bob Brooks…https://t.co/07Rh00FgIb
— chuck swirsky (@ctsbulls) June 26, 2016
One thing I'll say right now: If there's one person I'm glad got to witness a 12-0 season from Iowa last year, it's Bob Brooks. #Hawkeyes
— Brendan Stiles (@thebstiles) June 26, 2016
WATCH: Remembering legendary Iowa broadcaster Bob Brooks. https://t.co/MacIzD6RMT #Hawkeyeshttps://t.co/Lz4d9n2Plh
— Hawk Central (@hawkcentral) June 26, 2016
