LEGEND IMMORTALIZED: Woody Durham Posthumously Crowned North Carolina’s Best Play-by-Play Broadcaster by ESPN
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The voice that once carried the heartbeat of Tar Heel Nation has been forever enshrined in broadcasting greatness. ESPN has posthumously honored Woody Durham, the legendary and iconic “Voice of the Tar Heels,” as the Best Play-by-Play Broadcaster in all of North Carolina, a fitting tribute to a man whose calls transcended sport and became woven into the fabric of the state’s history.
For 40 unforgettable years, from 1971 to 2011, Woody Durham’s unmistakable voice painted vivid pictures of North Carolina’s triumphs and heartbreaks. Whether it was a thunderous dunk in the Dean Smith Center, a last-second basket in March Madness, or the roar of Kenan Memorial Stadium on a crisp autumn afternoon, Durham’s calls carried a warmth, clarity, and passion that made fans feel like they were sitting courtside or on the 50-yard line.
Known for his signature sign-off — “Go where you go and do what you do” — Durham was more than a broadcaster; he was a trusted companion for generations of Tar Heel faithful. His professionalism, storytelling, and unmatched ability to capture the emotion of the moment earned him countless accolades during his lifetime, including induction into the National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame and the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.
In announcing the award, ESPN praised Durham’s “timeless contribution to the sporting identity of North Carolina” and his ability to connect with listeners on a personal level. “Woody Durham was more than just a voice,” the statement read. “He was the sound of tradition, pride, and excellence.”
Fans and former players alike have shared heartfelt tributes, remembering the way Durham’s words could electrify a moment or comfort in defeat. Many point to his calls during the Tar Heels’ NCAA championship runs as the soundtrack to some of the greatest memories in North Carolina sports.
Woody Durham passed away in 2018 after a courageous battle with Primary Progressive Aphasia, but his legacy continues to echo in every Tar Heel broadcast. This latest honor cements his place not only as a legend in Chapel Hill but as the gold standard for sports broadcasting in the entire state.
As the award was presented, his son, Wes Durham—himself an accomplished broadcaster—spoke emotionally: “Dad loved the Tar Heels, he loved the people of North Carolina, and he believed in painting the game so vividly that you never had to see it to feel it. This honor means the world to our family, and we know he’s smiling down from that great press box in the sky.”
For Tar Heel Nation, Woody Durham will forever be The Voice. And now, with ESPN’s recognition, North Carolina has officially declared what fans have always known — there will never be another quite like him.
