:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60320485/898074942.jpg.0.jpg)
If you’ve been a Lions fan since 1987, you’ve no doubt listened to a game on the radio at some point. And if you live in Michigan, there’s a more than good chance you’ve heard the voice of Jim Brandstatter. Well, sadly, that will no longer happen as Brandstatter announced today via his Twitter that the Lions flagship station WJR 760 AM has let him go.
A quick heads up guys. This morning, WJR let me know they were going a different direction and terminated me from their Lions broadcasts. I had a great run of 31 years. I can’t thank Lion fans enough for spending time with me on all those Sundays. #ILoveDetroit #OnePride
— Jim Brandstatter (@jimbrandstatter) July 10, 2018
The news of Brandstatter’s termination from his place as Lions color commentator was confirmed by station manager Tom O’Brien. Brandstatter’s contract was up at the end of July, and O’Brien told the longtime Lions color guy that the station wasn’t going to renew his contract, and they were heading in a different direction.
In place of Brandstatter, O’Brien announced former Lions offensive lineman Lomas Brown will assume the color commentary duties alongside another staple of Detroit sports radio, Dan Miller.
I, for one, am shocked. It will be hard to imagine listening in on the call and not hearing Jim, especially since he’s been on the call my entire life. Best of luck to Jim in all his future endeavors.
UPDATE: The Lions issued an official statement in regards to the news about Brandstatter’s termination:
As a color analyst for the Detroit Lions Radio Network for more than three decades, Jim Brandstatter helped bring together Lions fans everywhere. His unwavering passion and knowledge for the game of football, both as a broadcaster and former player, were instrumental to our radio broadcasts. We sincerely thank Jim for his countless contributions to our team over the years and for the positive impact he’ll continue to make in the football community.