KU Jayhawks, Royals broadcaster Bob Davis dead at 80, university says
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A beloved figure in Kansas and Kansas City sports broadcasting has died, according to the University of Kansas Athletics.
Bob Davis, a well-known play-by-play sportscaster known for his work with the Kansas City Royals and the University of Kansas Jayhawks, died at the age of 80 on Thursday, March 20, the family announced on Friday.
Davis was a Kansas native through and through; he started with KU in 1984 and retired in 2016. The announcement comes just one day after KU's heartbreaking loss to Arkansas in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
Davis' wife Linda passed away one week ago today on March 13. They were married for 53 years.
"His wife must have been up in heaven saying, 'March Madness is starting, Bob, get up here," said Jeff Bollig with KU Athletics.
From being born in Iola to growing up in Topeka to remaining in the state of Kansas for the majority of his life, the iconic reporter stayed true to his roots and worked as a regional sports broadcaster for nearly 50 years.
Once regarded as the "Voice of the Jayhawks," Davis made his way into the hearts and homes of KU sports fans. Specifically, fans of KU basketball and football. But after several years with the university, the local legend accepted a job with the Royals, which he held for 16 years.
"Bob Davis is synonymous with Kansas Athletics for generations of fans, who grew up listening to his calls of some of the most important moments in KU history," Director of Athletics Travis Goff said.
"Bob's love and passion of the Jayhawks shined through during the broadcast with his beloved radio partners. For more than three decades, Bob represented Kansas Athletics in exemplary fashion and connected Jayhawk fans everywhere with his famous one-liners and detailed storytelling.
David was recognized both locally and nationally for his work in sports broadcasting, leading him to earn many esteemed honors and accolades, like Kansas Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sportscasters and Sports Writers Association in 2015.
Additionally, he was inducted into several halls of fame, including the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.
Davis is survived by his son Steven, also a sports broadcaster, and his grandchildren Will, Millie and Hattie.