Larry Munson

Larry Munson: The Legendary Voice of the Georgia Bulldogs

Larry Munson, born on September 28, 1922, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was an iconic American sports broadcaster best known for his passionate and unforgettable play-by-play commentary for the University of Georgia Bulldogs football team. For over 40 years, Munson captivated fans with his unique style, vivid imagery, and unabashed loyalty to Georgia football, becoming a beloved figure in the world of college sports broadcasting. Collectors and fans treasure Larry Munson autographed photos of some of the most legendary games he broadcasted, celebrating his legacy and the unforgettable moments he brought to life with his booming voice.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Larry Munson grew up in Minneapolis and developed a passion for broadcasting at an early age. After serving in World War II, Munson pursued a career in radio, starting as a disc jockey before transitioning to sports broadcasting. His first foray into sports came when he started working as a play-by-play announcer for minor league baseball teams. Munson’s versatility and booming voice soon gained attention, leading to several broadcasting opportunities.

Before becoming a household name at Georgia, Munson worked as a broadcaster for various teams and sports, including baseball, hockey, and basketball. His early broadcasting career saw him cover the Nashville Vols, Atlanta Braves, and even the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks. However, it was in college football where Munson would make his mark and leave a legacy that would resonate for decades.

Career with the Georgia Bulldogs

Becoming the Voice of the Bulldogs

In 1966, Larry Munson took on the role of play-by-play broadcaster for the University of Georgia Bulldogs, and it didn’t take long for him to become the voice of the team. Munson’s gritty, emotional style of broadcasting was a perfect fit for the passionate fanbase of Georgia football. His love for the team and his tendency to show his nerves during close games endeared him to Bulldogs fans, who felt as if Munson was living and dying with every play just as they were.

Munson’s broadcasts became an integral part of Georgia football’s identity. His ability to describe the action on the field with dramatic flair made even the most mundane plays sound like high-stakes moments. Over the course of his career, Munson would call some of the most iconic games in Georgia history, creating moments that are still remembered and cherished by Bulldogs fans today.

For collectors, Larry Munson autographed photos from these legendary games are highly sought-after memorabilia, as they capture the essence of the broadcaster’s connection to Georgia football and his ability to make every play come alive.

Legendary Calls and Iconic Moments

Throughout his career, Larry Munson was responsible for some of the most memorable calls in college football history. His voice became synonymous with Georgia’s biggest victories and most thrilling moments. Some of the most iconic calls include:

• "Run, Lindsay, run!" (1980 Georgia vs. Florida): Perhaps Munson’s most famous call came during the 1980 Georgia-Florida game, when Bulldogs quarterback Buck Belue connected with Lindsay Scott on a long touchdown pass in the final minutes to win the game. Munson’s call, in which he repeatedly shouted, “Run, Lindsay, run!” is still played in Georgia highlight reels and is one of the most famous moments in college football history. This play helped Georgia maintain its undefeated season en route to winning the national championship that year.
• The Hobnail Boot Game (2001 Georgia vs. Tennessee): Another legendary Munson call came in 2001 when Georgia upset Tennessee in the final seconds of the game. Munson described Georgia's winning play by saying, “We just stepped on their face with a hobnail boot and broke their nose. We just crushed their face!” His colorful and vivid language turned the moment into an unforgettable piece of college football lore.
• "Look at the sugar falling out of the sky!" (1982 SEC Championship Game): When Georgia secured the SEC Championship and a trip to the Sugar Bowl in 1982, Munson’s voice boomed with excitement as he described the confetti falling from the sky: "Look at the sugar falling out of the sky!" This enthusiastic, visually engaging call captured the joy and excitement of Georgia fans across the nation.

For fans and collectors, Larry Munson autographed photos from these iconic games serve as treasured mementos that celebrate his legendary career and the unforgettable moments he immortalized with his voice.

Broadcasting Style and Legacy

Larry Munson’s broadcasting style was unique, raw, and unabashedly biased in favor of Georgia, which endeared him even more to Bulldogs fans. His emotional investment in the games made his commentary thrilling, and listeners could always sense the tension and excitement in his voice, particularly in tight situations. Unlike many play-by-play announcers, Munson didn’t try to remain neutral or reserved — he was a fan himself, and that authenticity resonated deeply with his audience.

Munson’s vivid descriptions and imaginative metaphors turned him into a storyteller on the microphone. Whether he was describing a player “tearing down the field like a freight train” or comparing a clutch play to “snatching victory from the jaws of defeat,” Munson had a way of painting a picture that brought the game to life. His personality and style of broadcasting became synonymous with Georgia football, and his influence on the world of sports broadcasting is still felt today.

For collectors, Larry Munson autographed memorabilia serves as a lasting tribute to one of the greatest voices in college football history. His signed photos and keepsakes are cherished by fans who remember his passion and the unforgettable moments he called.

Life After Broadcasting

Larry Munson retired from broadcasting in 2008 after over 40 years as the voice of the Georgia Bulldogs. Even after his retirement, Munson remained a beloved figure in Georgia football, and his voice continued to echo in the memories of Bulldogs fans. Munson passed away in 2011 at the age of 89, but his legacy as one of the greatest sports broadcasters in history lives on.

To this day, fans continue to listen to his iconic calls, and his impact on the culture of college football is undeniable. His connection to the Georgia fanbase, as well as his signature moments, have made his autographed memorabilia a valuable and sentimental keepsake for Bulldogs fans.

Collecting Larry Munson Autographed Memorabilia

For fans and collectors, Larry Munson autographed photos are cherished collectibles that capture the magic of his broadcasts and his place in Georgia football history. These items represent more than just memorabilia; they are reminders of the legendary voice that brought Georgia football to life for decades.

Iconic Georgia Bulldogs Collectibles

• Autographed Game Memorabilia: In addition to photos, autographed memorabilia from historic Georgia games, such as programs or prints featuring Munson’s iconic calls, are highly valuable items that celebrate his legendary status as the voice of the Bulldogs.

Larry Munson’s career as the voice of the Georgia Bulldogs transcended traditional sports broadcasting. His passion, colorful commentary, and ability to make every play feel larger-than-life turned him into a beloved figure not just in Athens, Georgia, but throughout the world of college football. His unique style and emotional investment in the game made him an unforgettable broadcaster, and his calls remain some of the most cherished moments in sports history.

For fans and collectors, Larry Munson autographed photos serve as a meaningful connection to the man who defined the sound of Georgia football. These items not only celebrate Munson’s incredible broadcasting career but also offer a lasting tribute to a figure who brought excitement, drama, and emotion to every game he called. Whether you are a lifelong Bulldogs fan or a collector of iconic sports memorabilia, these autographed items provide a special way to honor the legacy of Larry Munson, one of the greatest voices in sports history.