BOULDER, Colo. — Colorado radio play-by-play man Mark Johnson has made a career of sitting in the front row.
For the last 20 seasons, Johnson has brought Buffs football and hoops to life.
"When I came here in 2004, I was told by friends of mine around the business, 'Don’t take the job because you’re replacing a legend,'" Johnson said.
That legend was Larry Zimmer, longtime CU and Broncos broadcaster. Zimmer handed over the play-by-play duties to Johnson in 2004, but stuck around as his color analyst for 12 more seasons.
“Larry, in his graciousness, made that transition so easy for me at this time because he was sitting alongside me and endorsing me and that made it easier for Buff nation to then digest that transition from Larry Zimmer’s style to my style," he explained.
In November, Johnson broadcasted his 863rd Buffs game, breaking a tie with his predecessor for the most CU games ever by a play-by-play announcer. Johnson is grateful for his time in Boulder.
"I take great pride in that because I love this program," Johnson said. "You can’t be part of something for 20 years like I have been and not have an affinity for it. That’s a great responsibility for me. And I take that to the microphone for every single broadcast we do. Well what does that mean? That means telling Buff nation the truth about what they’re hearing, in this case, in a ball game."
Johnson’s favorite moments are endless.
He recalled moments like when Tad Boyle’s men's basketball team won the Pac-12 Championship by winning four games in four days in 2012, and Kevin Eberhart’s game-winning field goal against No. 3 Oklahoma in 2007, or when Colorado football beat Georgia in 2010 at Folsom Field.
Whether it's a call or a laugh, Johnson’s booming baritone kind of resembles what a Buffalo would sound like.
"See, the voice kind of works," Johnson bellowed. "And I had nothing to do with it. I woke up one day and there it was, and I’m just awfully happy the Lord blessed me that way."
Along with a headset, Johnson’s cowboy hat and boots define him. In his free time, he’s a cowboy on his ranch in Evergreen.
"I was always fascinated with the western way of life, even as a little boy," he said.
Johnson can be seen rocking his cowboy hat and boots in every stadium or arena he broadcasts in.
"Yeah, it’s become part of the deal," he said. "It’s been part of my life for a long, long time. It fits here in Colorado.”
Colorado’s cowboy commentator knows how lucky he is when he sits down to do a game.
"I always take a moment to sit back, breathe for a moment, and just have an attitude of gratitude," he said. "And it will just come to me, can you believe what you're allowed to do, the blessing that you have sitting here doing this?”
A blessing that comes straight from the horse's mouth.
"In many respects, I can honestly say I’ve lived a dream, and continue to live a dream and I hope that dream continues on for a long time."
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