In the heart of Auburn, Alabama, where passion for college sports burns brighter than the southern sun, one voice has echoed through the plains for decades, capturing the roar of the crowd, the agony of defeat, and the ecstasy of victory. That voice belongs to Andy Burcham, the beloved play-by-play announcer who has become as synonymous with Auburn athletics as the iconic Toomer’s Oaks or the War Eagle battle cry. Now, Burcham’s legendary run has reached a new pinnacle, as he receives dual honors from ESPN: the prestigious Lifetime Broadcasting Achievement Award and the Broadcaster of the Year title, a rare double distinction that cements his place among the pantheon of collegiate broadcasting greats.
Burcham’s journey to this moment didn’t happen overnight. It’s a story etched in dedication, resilience, and an unwavering love for Auburn University. From his early days in the radio booth alongside his late friend and mentor Rod Bramblett to assuming the role of “Voice of the Tigers” in the wake of tragedy, Burcham has consistently delivered excellence with a style all his own—calm, compassionate, detailed, and deeply respectful of the game.
For Auburn fans, Burcham is more than a broadcaster—he’s family. His voice has been the soundtrack of some of the greatest moments in Auburn sports history. When the Tigers clinched their first Final Four berth in 2019, it was Burcham who captured the moment with grace. When Bo Nix engineered last-minute magic on the football field or when Sonny DiChiara smashed a game-winning home run, Burcham’s voice brought the plays to life for fans across the country. He has been there in moments of triumph and sorrow alike, holding space for Auburn Nation with his professionalism and quiet strength.
Now, the wider sports media world has taken notice. ESPN’s decision to award Burcham not one but two of its highest honors is a nod not only to his individual excellence, but to his enduring impact on college sports as a whole. The Lifetime Broadcasting Achievement Award is typically reserved for those who have shaped the fabric of their profession, often given near the end of a career. But in Burcham’s case, it’s a midstream recognition—an acknowledgment that while his body of work already stands among the best, his journey is far from over.
“Andy Burcham represents everything that’s right about sports broadcasting,” said ESPN executive John Skipper in the award announcement. “He is fair, articulate, knowledgeable, and deeply connected to his audience. But above all, he is authentic. Whether you’re an Auburn fan or just a fan of the game, you recognize in Andy a man who loves what he does and does it with heart.”
The Broadcaster of the Year honor, meanwhile, recognizes Burcham’s unparalleled 2024 season, during which he called more than 150 live events across football, basketball, baseball, softball, and Olympic sports. His preparation, energy, and consistency made him a standout in an industry filled with talent. As streaming platforms and social media transformed the way fans consumed sports, Burcham remained a steady voice in a rapidly changing world—traditional in his delivery, yet contemporary in his reach.
For Burcham, the honors are deeply humbling.
“I don’t do this for awards,” he said in an emotional segment aired on SEC Network. “I do this because I love Auburn. I love these student-athletes. I love the fans. This university has given me so much, and I just try to give a little back every time I sit behind the microphone.”
Indeed, Burcham’s love for Auburn is evident in every call. A native of Illinois and a graduate of Evangel University, Burcham first arrived on the Auburn scene in the 1980s, carving out a career that slowly but surely brought him into the inner circle of Auburn sports. He served as the long-time voice of Auburn baseball and worked behind the scenes on broadcasts for years before taking over football and men’s basketball duties. His promotion to “Voice of the Tigers” came under heartbreaking circumstances—after the tragic passing of Bramblett and his wife in 2019. Burcham, in mourning himself, stepped into the role with grace and humility, earning the respect of the Auburn family not only for his professionalism but for the deep humanity he brought to the job.
“He didn’t just inherit a position—he honored a legacy,” said Auburn head football coach Hugh Freeze. “And in doing so, he created a legacy of his own.”
The dual ESPN honors also reflect a broader appreciation for college broadcasters who spend years perfecting their craft away from the national spotlight. In an era where celebrity play-by-play personalities often dominate the conversation, Burcham represents a throwback to the golden era of regional voices—those who know their programs inside and out and build relationships with athletes, coaches, and fans that span generations.
“Andy reminds us what makes college sports special,” said Paul Finebaum. “It’s not just about the game—it’s about the community, the tradition, the connection. He’s lived that every day of his career.”
Off the air, Burcham has been just as impactful. He is a mentor to countless young broadcasters, regularly speaking to journalism classes, hosting clinics, and serving as a role model within the industry. He has received multiple community service awards from Auburn University and remains deeply involved in local charities, especially those benefiting children and cancer research. He has also helped launch initiatives promoting mental health awareness in sports media, a cause close to his heart after the loss of several friends in the profession.
“It’s about more than calling games,” Burcham said during an Auburn athletics podcast. “It’s about being present—for your community, for your peers, for the student-athletes whose stories you’re telling. That’s the responsibility we carry, and it’s one I take very seriously.”
Burcham’s signature call—“Touchdown Auburn!”—has become a rallying cry, echoing through living rooms, car radios, and tailgate parties across the South. But his real talent lies in the way he adapts his tone to the moment. He can bring thunderous excitement or soft solemnity, depending on what the moment demands. That emotional range is what separates him from many of his contemporaries.
When Auburn softball’s Maddie Penta threw a no-hitter against Alabama, Burcham’s call was pitch-perfect—measured, proud, and celebratory, but always centered on the athlete and the moment. When Auburn basketball fell just short in the Elite Eight last season, it was Burcham who comforted fans through the heartbreak with his calm reflection and optimism for the future.
That emotional intelligence is rooted in decades of experience and a deep moral compass. Colleagues say Burcham is the same person off-mic as he is on—kind, generous, and endlessly humble. “He’s the guy who sends handwritten thank-you notes, who remembers birthdays, who checks in just to say hello,” said fellow Auburn broadcaster Britt Bowen. “He makes you feel like you matter. And in this business, that’s rare.”
In winning both ESPN honors, Burcham joins an elite group of broadcasters whose careers are defined by integrity and longevity. Names like Keith Jackson, Verne Lundquist, and Larry Munson come to mind. Like them, Burcham has transcended the role of announcer to become a cultural figure—his voice part of the Auburn experience, woven into the very fabric of what it means to be a Tiger.
As Auburn prepares for another season of unforgettable moments, one thing is certain: Andy Burcham will be there, headset on, mic in hand, voice steady as ever. And whether it’s a thunderous touchdown at Jordan-Hare, a buzzer-beater at Neville Arena, or a walk-off homer at Plainsman Park, his call will rise above the noise—not to overshadow the moment, but to preserve it, elevate it, and share it with generations to come.
Because that’s what legends do.
And now, with dual ESPN honors to his name, Andy Burcham isn’t just the Voice of the Tigers—he’s the voice of what college sports is meant to be.