Dylan Raiola Mourns With Nebraska Fans as Husker Nation Loses Legendary Announcer to Cancer Battle

Some very sombre news has descended upon Lincoln. You don’t need to physically take to the gridiron to have an impact on a program and its community. For a blueblood program such as Nebraska, the fans go well past even the 100,000-odd that spur their team on in Memorial Stadium. A majority of fans live vicariously through what’s relayed to them by the broadcast and radio. Thus, the people who’re tasked with permeating the emotions and action of every down to the masses are uniquely important. The commentary and voice that goes along with a big highlight becomes the soundtrack to some of the best moments in a sports fan’s life. Announcers are unsung heroes. Unfortunately, the Huskers have just lost their most prominent one ever.

Dylan Raiola and a host of others are mourning the loss of Greg Sharpe. Deemed the “Ultimate Husker”, Sharpe had been the primary play-by-play announcer for football and baseball since 2007. He began over the radio, and forayed into color commentary later. Sharpe has succumbed to a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 61. Despite his ongoing tryst with cancer, you couldn’t keep Greg Sharpe away from the booth. Such was his love for his craft and the program that he travelled with the team as recently as the 2024 season. Whenever of course, the scheduling and procedures allowed for it. He leaves behind a void felt by everyone ranging from die-hard Husker fans to someone like Dylan Raiola who only came to Lincoln a little over a year ago.

The school announced this news on IG, writing “For 17 years, Greg Sharpe spoke past the microphone and into our hearts. His legacy will be woven into the moments he narrated and carried on through the relationships he built. We are deeply saddened by Greg’s passing and send our deepest condolences to the Sharpe family.” This heartfelt message accompanied a graphic of Sharpe, which reiterated his moniker as the “Voice of the Huskers” This very post was relayed by QB1 Dylan Raiola, alongside a subtle “🪽🙏” Raiola’s condolences were supplemented with a lot of elaborate tributes outlining just how much of an impact Greg Sharpe had on those associated with the program in all different capacities.

Nebraska athletic director Troy Dannen contextualized some of this impact. “This is a tough day for everyone. Not only those who were close to Greg and those who had the opportunity to work with him, but also for Husker fans who have fond memories of Greg’s calls of iconic moments in Nebraska history,” he said. “Greg was an incredible person and was a friend to everyone. Simply put, he defined what it meant to be a Husker, and he will always be a Husker.” Sharpe is survived by his wife, Amy, and three daughters. 

In the comments section of the aforelinked post, fans and prominent players alike poured their feelings out. A unanimously respected figure within the program and the wider community, Greg Sharpe has received words of gratitude and respect from people he has touched via the mic across 3 decades. They expressed a collective sadness. As they hail the life of this figurehead etched in the rich history of the school. 

Players, colleagues, and fans follow on from Dylan Raiola in paying homage to Greg Sharpe

Former Huskers cornerback Josh Mitchell wrote, “A legend. May he rest eternally in peace.” One fan wrote, “So glad he got to see the radio booth.” This pertains to the “Greg Sharpe Radio Booth” in Memorial Stadium, which was renamed last month in honor of Sharpe. “Voice for a generation of Husker fans. He will be missed ❤️” wrote another fan. This sentiment was echoed with “Saturdays won’t be the same without his voice this year, RIP.”  Dylan Raiola will be considering himself fortunate. At least a fraction of his best moments as a Husker were voiced by Sharpe.

A person who’s worked in tandem with Sharpe in the past leveraged some profound insight into the man. “I had the great pleasure to work with Greg when he was at K-State and WIBW in Topeka. Even though I was a relative nobody, he was always gracious, appreciative, and kind. To top it all off, Greg was as good a play by play broadcaster as there was. He will be missed.” they said. Another person restated the role an announcer plays in the fan experience. “Husker nation lost a great one there, he may of not been on the field but he made the game come to life over radio.”

Hopefully, his family and those affected can find solace in these words. Even though it wasn’t abrupt, 61 is no age to pass. Alas, Greg Sharpe more than made the most of his time. He wasn’t born into the fandom, however Sharpe shall forever remain a Cornhusker. May he rest in peace.