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“Voice of the Tigers Roars Louder: Auburn Legend Andy Burcham Wins Dual ESPN Awards for Excellence in Sports Broadcasting”
Voice of the Tigers Roars Louder: Auburn Legend Andy Burcham Wins Dual ESPN Awards for Excellence in Sports Broadcasting
AUBURN, Ala. — The unmistakable voice that has guided Auburn fans through countless unforgettable moments has officially reached new national heights. Andy Burcham, the “Voice of the Tigers” and a cherished icon in Auburn Athletics, has captured two prestigious honors from ESPN: the Excellence in Collegiate Sports Broadcasting Award and the Lifetime Achievement in Play-by-Play Broadcasting Award.
It’s a historic and emotional moment not just for Burcham, but for an Auburn community that has come to see him as more than just a broadcaster — he’s family.
Burcham, who has served Auburn Athletics in various capacities for over 35 years, is being celebrated for his unmatched professionalism, compelling storytelling, and steady voice that has been the soundtrack of Auburn sports for decades.
Andy Burcham’s journey to this remarkable achievement didn’t happen overnight. Born in Illinois and a graduate of Southern Illinois University, Burcham arrived at Auburn in 1988. He began calling Auburn women’s basketball games before expanding to a full-time role that eventually placed him at the helm of Auburn’s football and men’s basketball broadcasts.
After the tragic passing of his longtime friend and broadcasting partner Rod Bramblett in 2019, Burcham was named the official “Voice of the Tigers.” In the face of deep personal grief and massive professional responsibility, he carried the torch with grace, humility, and respect — cementing his place in Auburn’s lore.
“Andy didn’t just step into an impossible situation — he elevated it,” said Auburn head football coach Hugh Freeze. “He honored Rod’s legacy while establishing his own. That’s not easy, but he made it look seamless.”
The Excellence in Collegiate Sports Broadcasting Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional skill, consistency, and integrity while covering college athletics. Burcham’s award is a testament to not only his technical ability but his deep knowledge of the teams and athletes he covers.
The Lifetime Achievement in Play-by-Play Broadcasting Award is perhaps even more personal. It recognizes a career body of work that reflects decades of dedication to delivering high-quality, impactful storytelling in live sports.
“Andy Burcham exemplifies everything great about sports broadcasting,” said ESPN’s Vice President of Production, Lee Fitting. “His voice carries emotion, insight, and a profound respect for the athletes and institutions he represents. These dual honors are long overdue.”
During a ceremony held at ESPN’s Connecticut headquarters, Burcham was visibly moved as he accepted the awards. He received a lengthy standing ovation from industry peers, media executives, and ESPN’s own broadcasting legends.
“I’m just a guy who loves Auburn,” Burcham said, his voice cracking slightly. “This isn’t just about me — it’s about all the coaches, athletes, colleagues, and fans who’ve made this the greatest job in the world. I don’t take one second of it for granted.”
Among those in attendance were Auburn men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl, former Heisman winner Cam Newton, and Charles Barkley, who shared heartfelt video tributes praising Burcham for his excellence and integrity.
“Andy is a real one,” Barkley said. “He’s not chasing fame. He’s chasing connection — to the game, the school, the fans. And that’s why he’s the best to ever do it in college sports.
Much of the emotion surrounding Burcham’s award stems from his connection to Rod Bramblett. The two were not only broadcasting partners but close personal friends, sharing an on-air chemistry that was genuine and electric.
When Bramblett and his wife Paula died tragically in a car accident in 2019, Auburn fans grieved collectively. In the aftermath, Burcham was tasked with more than filling shoes — he was tasked with helping heal a broken-hearted community.
Instead of attempting to “replace” Bramblett, Burcham honored him at every turn — referencing Rod during broadcasts, supporting the Bramblett children, and treating his new role not as a promotion, but as a sacred responsibility.
“Andy didn’t seek the spotlight,” said Auburn Athletic Director John Cohen. “But when the program needed him most, he stepped up — not just as a broadcaster, but as a leader, a friend, and a healer. These awards celebrate that.”
From “Kick Six” to College World Series runs to Final Four appearances, Burcham’s voice has narrated some of Auburn’s greatest triumphs. Whether describing a clutch touchdown or a walk-off homerun, he brings an unmatched energy and authenticity that fans trust and love.
Listeners often remark on Burcham’s uncanny ability to balance objective commentary with heartfelt Auburn pride — a rare and masterful tightrope act.
“When Andy talks, I listen,” said Auburn fan and lifelong season ticket holder Jerry Stevens. “He brings you into the moment. You feel like you’re right there in the stadium with him.”
Beyond the microphone, Burcham is a mentor to countless young broadcasters across the SEC and beyond. He serves as an adjunct instructor at Auburn University, where he teaches Sports Broadcasting and Communications. His classes are always full, and his former students include professionals now working at ESPN, SEC Network, and major regional outlets.
“He gives his time without hesitation,” said former student and ESPN analyst Lauren Sisler. “Andy invests in people. He’s not just training students — he’s shaping careers.”
Burcham also volunteers regularly with local charities, makes appearances at booster events, and never turns down a chance to speak to high school students or aspiring journalists.
Despite his recent accolades, Burcham has no plans of slowing down. In fact, if anything, these honors have reenergized him. With Auburn athletics reaching new heights in both football and basketball, Burcham finds himself in the thick of what could be another golden era of Tiger sports.
When asked about retirement, he smiled and gave his trademark chuckle: “As long as Auburn will have me — and as long as my voice holds up — I’ll be here.”
Fans will be thrilled to know that includes the 2025–26 football and basketball seasons, where the Tigers are poised to be serious national contenders.
At its core, this story isn’t just about awards or achievements. It’s about a man who gave his life’s work to a place he loves — and was loved back tenfold.
Andy Burcham is more than a broadcaster. He’s a custodian of Auburn tradition, a keeper of the flame, and a trusted voice in moments of both triumph and heartbreak.
These ESPN honors don’t simply affirm Burcham’s skill — they recognize the humanity, humility, and heart he brings to the job every single day.
For Auburn fans, the next time they hear “Touchdown Auburn!” or “It’s another Tigers win!” it’ll mean a little more. Because the voice behind it isn’t just broadcasting — he’s reminding everyone why they fell in love with sports, and with Auburn, in the first place.
And now, the world knows what Auburn has known for decades:
The voice of the Tigers doesn’t just roar — it resonates.
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