Bob Davis, the beloved voice of Kansas Jayhawks sports and a longtime broadcaster for the Kansas City Royals, passed away on Thursday at the age of 80. KU Athletics shared the news on Friday, noting that Davis’ wife of 53 years, Linda, had recently passed away on March 13 after a battle with Parkinson’s.
The Topeka native began his broadcasting career with Kansas basketball and football games in 1984, earning the moniker “Voice of the Jayhawks” until his retirement in 2016. Throughout his career, he received numerous accolades, including 13 Kansas Sportscaster of the Year Awards and induction into the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, leaving behind a legacy filled with memorable calls.
Remembering the legendary Bob Davis through his most unforgettable calls. pic.twitter.com/27b71Namol
— Kansas Jayhawks (@KUAthletics) March 21, 2025
“We lost a KU legend in Bob Davis, who was the voice of the Jayhawks for decades,” said Kansas basketball coach Bill Self (via KU Athletics). “Bob was not only superior at his craft, but he was also a terrific, humble, and unselfish person who gave so much of himself to so many. Our hearts go out to the entire family, especially with his wonderful wife Linda passing just last week.”
In addition to his work with KU athletics, Davis also broadcasted Royals games from 1997 to 2013 and called NCAA games for CBS Radio, including the NCAA Women’s Final Four in 1990, 1992, and 1994 through 1997. Fans and colleagues paid tribute to him on Friday.
Heroes are remembered, but legends never die. https://t.co/39qrKD30p0 pic.twitter.com/XC4bQrMcN2
— We good? (@gifhawk2) March 21, 2025
Bob Davis called KU basketball for more than three decades and broadcast the Royals for 16 years in the 90s and 2000s. A genuinely great and kind man. And one of the voices that made me fall in love with sports. https://t.co/kkgopUTnK5
— Rustin Dodd (@rustindodd) March 21, 2025
RIP to one of the great voices in KC sports history (KU, Royals, Ft. Hays St., Women’s F4). Four years ago, he & @JeffBollig discussed their book “The Dream is Real” on SportsBeat KC pod. This opens with 2 of Bob’s favorite calls https://t.co/CiXXSsOKJw https://t.co/im0lT4qis3
— Blair Kerkhoff (@BlairKerkhoff) March 21, 2025
An absolute legend. He inspired me to pursue a career in broadcasting. His voice and cadence while calling KU games were unmatched. I would sync my TV to the radio to hear his calls. What I would give for radio tapes of his games. He truly was the best. https://t.co/fOJDWtAoc4
— Clinton Corley (@clintonINC) March 21, 2025
Davis is survived by his son, Steven; daughter-in-law, Katie; and grandchildren, Landon, Will, Millie, and Hattie. Steven Davis has followed in his father’s footsteps as a broadcaster for Kansas women’s basketball and the Arkansas Travelers in the Double-A Texas League.
