ESPN : Auburn’s Iconic Voice Andy Burcham Earns National Broadcaster of the Year Honors in a Monumental Victory That Has the Sports World Talking!
In a moment that sent waves through the college sports community, Andy Burcham, the beloved voice of the Auburn Tigers, has been named National Broadcaster of the Year. The announcement, met with thunderous applause from Auburn fans and the wider broadcasting world, represents more than just a professional milestone—it marks the culmination of a journey filled with passion, perseverance, and an unrelenting dedication to storytelling. Known for his deep, steady voice and the ability to capture the emotion of a game with precision and heart, Burcham has become more than just a commentator for Auburn athletics; he has become its voice, its memory-keeper, and its spirit.
The accolade came after years of building a career that quietly commanded respect in press boxes across the country. What makes this recognition particularly special is that it doesn’t merely acknowledge a broadcaster with technical expertise—it honors someone who has formed a unique and lasting bond with the Auburn community. When fans hear Andy Burcham’s voice, they hear home. They hear the roar of Jordan-Hare Stadium, the squeak of the hardwood inside Neville Arena, and the echoing pride that has defined Auburn sports for generations.
Stepping into the role of Auburn’s lead broadcaster in 2019 after the tragic death of Rod Bramblett, Burcham took on an enormous mantle with grace. Bramblett had been the legendary “Voice of the Tigers,” and his unexpected passing left a community mourning and unsure of what came next. Into that silence stepped Andy Burcham—not to replace Rod, but to carry forward his legacy with the reverence it deserved and a style uniquely his own. That transition was never going to be easy, but Burcham’s deep history with Auburn athletics and his steady hand allowed him to guide listeners through both heartbreak and hope.
He had been there all along, of course. For decades, Burcham had served in various broadcasting roles for Auburn, calling women’s basketball, baseball, and other Olympic sports. He understood the fabric of the school—not just the high-profile football Saturdays, but the quieter midweek tennis matches and spring baseball games that filled out the Auburn experience. This deep connection gave him an edge and a rare authenticity. When he took the lead mic for football, he didn’t have to prove himself; he simply had to be who he had always been.
Since then, Burcham’s play-by-play calls have helped immortalize some of Auburn’s greatest moments in recent years. His delivery is marked by clarity, emotional intelligence, and a sense of timing that is difficult to teach. He doesn’t yell to create drama; he lets the game breathe, giving fans a real-time connection that feels both polished and personal. It’s this skill—this intuitive feel for the tempo of a moment—that has earned him national respect.
The National Broadcaster of the Year award is not just a feather in his cap; it’s a recognition of the voice that has guided millions through touchdowns, heartbreaks, buzzer-beaters, and everything in between. What’s even more powerful is the response from his peers. Around the nation, respected broadcasters have chimed in to offer congratulations and admiration. To them, Burcham’s recognition is long overdue. Many have noted that his work stands out not because it’s flashy, but because it’s consistently excellent. In an industry that often rewards the loudest personality, Andy Burcham’s honor affirms that there is still space for dignity, respect, and craftsmanship in sports broadcasting.
For the Auburn faithful, this moment feels like a personal victory. Fans have flooded social media with tributes, thanking Andy for the role he’s played in their lives. Many have shared memories of listening to his calls while driving down Alabama highways, or of hearing his voice through earbuds while pacing nervously during close games. His presence has brought comfort in tense moments and celebration in victorious ones. In many ways, Burcham is not just the voice of Auburn sports—he’s the soundtrack to their fandom.
The Auburn Athletics Department was quick to respond to the announcement, praising Burcham for his professionalism and impact. Coaches, student-athletes, and administrators alike have recognized his unwavering support for the program. What stands out most is how deeply he is respected not only for what he does, but for who he is. Burcham is known as a humble, gracious figure who prefers to deflect praise rather than soak it in. And yet, this time, there’s no escaping the spotlight.
Burcham’s triumph comes at a time when the landscape of sports media is rapidly changing. The rise of streaming, the shift in consumption habits, and the explosion of online commentary have all challenged traditional broadcasting roles. And yet, in the middle of this evolution, Andy Burcham’s style has remained true. His success sends a powerful message: that substance still matters, that authenticity still resonates, and that relationships—built over years and nurtured through trust—still count for something.
It also serves as a reminder of the irreplaceable human element in sports. While artificial intelligence can generate game recaps and highlight packages, it cannot replicate the heart behind a call or the emotion embedded in a voice that truly loves the team it covers. Burcham brings a soulfulness to his work that transcends the technical. You can hear the Auburn spirit in every syllable, whether it’s a third-down stop, a walk-off homer, or a Senior Day tribute. He gives each game, each athlete, the respect they deserve.
For young aspiring broadcasters, Andy Burcham’s story offers inspiration. His rise was not meteoric, nor was it filled with viral moments or headline-grabbing controversy. Instead, it was built over time, grounded in preparation, respect for the craft, and a relentless work ethic. He stayed ready. When the time came to step into the biggest role of his life, he was not only prepared—he was perfect for it.
The award also sheds light on the importance of regional and collegiate broadcasters, many of whom toil in relative obscurity compared to their national network counterparts. These are the voices that follow teams through every mile of the season, that learn the names of every backup and every walk-on, and who care deeply about the programs they cover. Burcham’s win is a win for every broadcaster who’s ever called a game from a cramped press box or stayed up late editing audio clips for the morning show.
As Auburn looks ahead to another year of athletic competition, one thing is certain: Andy Burcham will be there, microphone in hand, ready to tell the next story. And whether the Tigers are storming the field after a rivalry win or enduring the pain of a tough loss, fans will continue to turn to his voice for comfort, for clarity, and for community.
In the coming months, Burcham will likely downplay the award, choosing instead to focus on the athletes and coaches who make Auburn sports what it is. But fans and colleagues will not forget. They’ll remember this as the year when a quiet professional finally got the recognition he earned through decades of excellence. And when he steps back into the broadcast booth, they’ll listen a little closer, knowing that the voice echoing through their radios and screens belongs not just to Auburn, but now, officially, to the nation’s very best.
In many ways, Andy Burcham’s voice has become part of the identity of Auburn University. It’s the voice that spans generations, that bridges eras, and that continues to define what it means to be part of the Auburn family. His National Broadcaster of the Year title isn’t just a personal triumph—it’s a symbol of everything that’s right in college sports. Dedication. Consistency. Integrity. And heart. That’s what Andy Burcham brings to the microphone, every single time. And now, the world knows it too.
