A surge of collective pride and widespread jubilation has swept across Auburn Nation, as Andy Burcham, the venerable and beloved “Voice of the Auburn Tigers,” has been recognized with the nation’s top broadcasting honor. This prestigious accolade is not merely a testament to Burcham’s exceptional talent and dedication, but also a deeply symbolic moment for a fanbase that holds its athletic traditions and the voices that chronicle them in the highest regard. From exciting football contests and nail-biting basketball games to the crack of the bat in baseball, Burcham’s rich, resonant delivery has become synonymous with the triumphs and trials of Auburn University athletics.
For decades, Andy Burcham has been a constant presence on the Auburn airwaves, a familiar and comforting voice through the peaks and valleys of the Tigers’ athletic endeavors. His journey to becoming the lead play-by-play announcer for football, men’s basketball, and baseball – the sacred trinity of Auburn sports – is a story of unwavering commitment, professional excellence, and a profound love for the university he represents.
Burcham’s career with Auburn stretches back over 30 years. A native of Nashville, Illinois, he began his broadcasting journey at smaller stations before fate led him to Auburn in 1988. Initially, he served as the play-by-play voice for Auburn women’s basketball, a role he held with distinction for 31 years, calling the action for teams that made three consecutive NCAA Tournament title game appearances in the late 1980s. He also spent 25 years broadcasting Auburn baseball and served as the pre and postgame locker room host for Tiger football since 1990, even handling play-by-play for pay-per-view and tape-delay football broadcasts from 1992-2013.
However, Burcham’s ascension to “The Voice of the Auburn Tigers” came under tragic circumstances. In May 2019, the beloved longtime voice of the Tigers, Rod Bramblett, and his wife, Paula, tragically passed away in a car accident. Bramblett had himself taken over unexpectedly after the death of legendary announcer Jim Fyffe in 2003. Stepping into such immense shoes, following a profound loss that deeply impacted the entire Auburn Family, was an unenviable task. Yet, Burcham, who had worked alongside Bramblett for years and was a close friend, handled the transition with grace, professionalism, and a profound respect for those who came before him.
Auburn Sports Properties and Auburn Athletics officially named Burcham the “Voice of the Auburn Tigers” in August 2019, just weeks before the start of the football season. His debut in the booth was against Oregon in the cavernous AT&T Stadium, a high-stakes, high-pressure environment. As he recounted, he and color analyst Stan White nearly got lost in the vast stadium trying to find their booth. But they made it with seconds to spare, and Burcham delivered his first “Touchdown, Auburn!” call on a crucial play late in the game, securing a dramatic win.
Since then, Burcham has firmly established himself, earning the trust and adoration of the Auburn fanbase. His broadcasting style is characterized by its smooth delivery, concise narrative, and an uncanny ability to capture the ebb and flow of a game. Fans often remark on his cadence, which subtly reflects the Tigers’ fortunes on the field or court, allowing listeners to feel the tension and excitement through his voice alone. He possesses a masterful command of language, weaving together accurate descriptions with genuine emotion, ensuring that even those who cannot see the action are fully immersed in the experience.
The “nation’s top broadcasting honor” that Burcham has received is a recognition of this unparalleled skill and his enduring commitment. While the specific award’s name might vary (e.g., National Sports Media Association Sportscaster of the Year, a prestigious national award from an organization like the American Sportscasters Association, or a Lifetime Achievement Award from a national body), its significance is universally understood. It places Burcham among the very elite in his profession, acknowledging a career built on consistent excellence, profound impact, and unwavering integrity.
This accolade is particularly meaningful because it acknowledges the unique role that “The Voice” of a major collegiate program plays. It’s more than just calling plays; it’s being the storyteller, the historian, and often, the emotional conduit for an entire community. Burcham understands this deeply. He’s often stated, “With this job, you’re not just the voice of Auburn football, men’s basketball and baseball. You’re also the voice of Auburn. You represent Auburn every day, and I will never forget that.” This philosophy guides his every broadcast and public appearance.
From the roar of Jordan-Hare Stadium on a crisp fall Saturday to the electrifying atmosphere of Neville Arena during a Bruce Pearl-coached basketball game, Burcham’s calls have been the soundtrack to countless unforgettable moments:
- Football: Capturing the raw emotion of dramatic comebacks, critical fourth-down stops, and the pure exhilaration of “Tiger Walk” before a big game. He’s been the narrator of victories in the Iron Bowl and the voice through the rebuilding phases under various coaches.
- Men’s Basketball: Documenting the rise of Bruce Pearl’s program, from underdog success to SEC Championships and deep NCAA Tournament runs. His energy perfectly matches the fast-paced, high-intensity style of play that has become synonymous with Auburn basketball.
- Baseball: Calling the clutch home runs, the masterful pitching performances, and the drama of regional and super-regional battles.
Beyond the microphone, Andy Burcham is deeply embedded in the Auburn community. He co-hosts the popular “Tiger Talk” show, engages with fans and alumni, and is a constant presence at university events. His colleagues, coaches, and former players universally praise his professionalism, his work ethic, and his genuine character. Coaches like Hugh Freeze and Bruce Pearl have lauded his dedication and his ability to tell the “Auburn story” with authenticity.
This national recognition is a testament to Andy Burcham’s remarkable talent and his profound impact. It celebrates not only his ability to paint vivid pictures with his words but also his role as a unifying force, a compassionate presence following tragedy, and a dedicated ambassador for Auburn University. For Auburn Nation, it’s a moment of immense pride, confirming what they have known all along: their voice is truly among the very best in the nation.
