British soccer commentator John Motson has died at the age of 77. The legendary voice of sport has called more than 2,500 games in his 50 years at the BBC. Due to his extensive work, Motson became one of the most recognizable voices in English football.
The Motson family issued a short statement on the unfortunate news. “It is with great sadness that we announce that John Motson OBE died peacefully in his sleep today.”
Martin Tyler labels Motson an icon in sports
Legendary commentator Martin Tyler also shared his thoughts on Motson. “He was a standard setter for all of us. He was a very serious broadcaster, but he was a really fun guy to be around,” Tyler said on BBC Radio 5 Live. “He had a great sense of humor. Just a few days after Dickie Davies left us, streaming has been met with two huge hits. [Motson] He was an icon and a beacon for all of us.”
Motson, commonly known as “Motty”, began his illustrious career in 1968 when he joined the BBC as a presenter. He called his first football game a year later, when Everton faced Derby County in December 1969. Motson quickly became a mainstay on the BBC’s Match of the Day programme, first appearing in 1971. .
Hereford’s big upset helped propel his career to new heights
In the FA Cup game between Newcastle and Hereford in 1972, he essentially gave Motson his start as chief commentator. Despite being heavy underdogs, Hereford United won the match with Motson on the gantry.
Motson’s call on Ronnie Radford’s equalizing goal helped propel the commentator up the ladder. “Oh, what a goal! Radford the scorer. Ronnie Radford! And the public is in the field. What a tremendous shot from Ronnie Radford,” Motson exclaimed. The quality call forced BBC executives to offer Motson a new contract and allow him to comment on high-profile matches.
In all, Motson called 10 World Cups, 10 European Championships and 29 FA Cup Finals for the network during his career.
His last game inside the cabin was a 2-0 win for Crystal Palace over West Bromwich Albion. After the game, Motson received a standing ovation from the crowd.
Meanwhile, the football commentator had this to say about Motson. “[He was] probably the most famous football commentator of all. He meticulously researched and retained the youthful enthusiasm and love of the game for more than half a century of the biggest games, he set the gold standard.”
The commentator retired from the BBC in 2018.
Photo: IMAGO/PA Images
