Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Bob Davis, the iconic voice of Kansas Jayhawks basketball and football, has passed away at the age of 80. His family confirmed the news on Friday through the University of Kansas athletic department. This sad event comes just one week after the death of his beloved wife, Linda, with whom he shared more than 50 years of marriage.
The cause of Bob Davis’s death has not been released as of now. Kansas basketball head coach Bill Self, reflecting on Davis’s legacy, described him as an ‘unselfish person’ who made a significant impact on the community.
Bill Self paid tribute to Davis, stating, ‘Bob was not only superior at his craft but also a terrific, humble, and unselfish person who gave so much of himself to many.’ He added, ‘Our hearts go out to the entire family, especially with his wonderful wife Linda passing just last week.’
In a bittersweet week, Self’s seventh-seeded Jayhawks faced an unexpected defeat by Arkansas in the NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile, Davis’s 32-year broadcasting career for Kansas began in 1984 and continued until his retirement in 2016. During that time, he lent his voice to some of the most legendary moments in the university’s sports history.
Among the many highlights of Davis’s career was his coverage of the 1988 national championship team, famously known as ‘Danny and the Miracles,’ which was led by star player Danny Manning under the guidance of Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown. Additionally, he reported on the national title-winning team two decades later, known for ‘Mario’s Miracle,’ featuring Mario Chalmers’ unforgettable tying three-pointer in the finals against Memphis.
Davis had the honor of covering eight Final Four appearances by the Jayhawks, six bowl games, and thousands of regular-season football and basketball games. A notable partnership defined his early career as he worked alongside Max Falkenstien, his predecessor, and a close friend who had a remarkable 60-year run broadcasting for the Jayhawks until his retirement. Falkenstien passed away in 2019.
Roy Williams, a former Kansas and North Carolina coach, praised Davis as a ‘giant’ of the University of Kansas. He remarked, ‘Bob Davis was a fantastic announcer who loved KU. As a new coach, he helped me immensely and set a high standard for everyone I worked with later. He truly is a KU giant.’
In addition to his work with the Jayhawks, Davis covered the women’s Final Four for CBS on six occasions and spent 16 years calling Kansas City Royals games on both radio and television. His exceptional skills earned him the title of Kansas Sportscaster of the Year an impressive 14 times.
Davis is survived by his son Steven, daughter-in-law Katie, and four cherished grandchildren. The legacy he leaves behind will certainly resonate in the hearts of sports lovers across Kansas and beyond.
His impact on sports broadcasting has cemented his place in the history of Kansas athletics, showcasing the pivotal role he played in capturing the essence of competition and community spirit. Bob Davis will be remembered not just for his voice but for his character, humility, and dedication to the Kansas Jayhawks.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
