Jim Nantz goes viral for his powerful NFL and NBA picks as the first athletes that come to mind by sport

Legendary sports broadcaster Jim Nantz recently shared something that caught everyone by surprise. In a short yet powerful moment, he listed the first athletes that come to mind when he thinks of each major sport. The choices he made have gone viral and are now sparking discussions online, especially among NFL and NBA fans. What exactly did Jim Nantz say?Jim Nantz showed up in a video published by Omaha Productions on July 10, 2025, where he was invited to name the first athlete he related to a particular sport. Jim Nantz first came back in football with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. For basketball, he chose Michael Jordan, the NBA legend infamous for permanently altering the game. Jim Nantz made selections beyond those. For golf, he listed three of the most revered names in golf history: Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tiger Woods. For hockey, he named Wayne Gretzky, widely regarded as the best hockey player ever. He cited Reggie Jackson in baseball; he was named Michael Phelps in swimming.Each name he mentioned represents greatness in their sport. Fans reacted with both agreement and surprise, especially over his pick of Josh Allen for football. Many expected names like Tom Brady or Peyton Manning, but Nantz’s choice shows his appreciation for the new generation.Calling historic events throughout the NFL, NCAA, NBA, and golf, Jim Nantz has been a member of American sports broadcasting for decades. Fans know he chooses his words wisely; his view carries weight. Also Read: Josh Allen abandons Nike and California mansion after marrying Hailee Steinfeld, fans question if these major changes are really his own decisionsSelecting Josh Allen shows Nantz believes the rookie quarterback possesses future legendary talent. Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods, his other choices, are constant icons who have molded their particular sectors. Including the most accomplished Olympian, Michael Phelps, and Reggie Jackson, known as "Mr. October," only served to deepen the impact of his comments. Fans battling who they would pick to assist the movie get popular on sites like X (previously Twitter) and Instagram. While some applaud Nantz for striking a balance between legends and modern athletes, others believe other names should have been noted.