Introduction
Brent Musburger is a legendary figure in the world of sports broadcasting. From the NFL to NCAA championships, he has been the voice behind some of the most iconic sports moments. With a voice that’s instantly recognizable and a career spanning over five decades, Musburger’s legacy is cemented in American sports culture.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Brent Musburger, including his age, net worth, relationship with Joe Namath, his cameo in The Waterboy, his wife, and the famous moment involving Katherine Webb that made headlines nationwide.
Brent Musburger: Age
As of August 2025, Brent Musburger is 85 years old. He was born on May 26, 1939, in Portland, Oregon. Raised in Billings, Montana, Musburger attended Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, which laid the foundation for his illustrious career in broadcasting.
Despite his age, Musburger has remained active in the media landscape. His voice still resonates with sports fans through various channels, especially his work with VSiN (Vegas Stats & Information Network), a sports betting network he co-founded.
Brent Musburger: Career Highlights
Musburger’s journey through the broadcasting world began with CBS Sports in the 1970s. He hosted The NFL Today, one of the earliest and most influential sports pregame shows. His authoritative voice and bold opinions set him apart and made him a household name.
Major Networks He Worked With:
- CBS Sports (1973–1990): Play-by-play for NFL, NBA, college football, and The Masters.
- ABC Sports & ESPN (1990–2017): College football, NCAA basketball, MLB, NBA, and more.
- VSiN (2017–Present): Lead analyst and contributor on sports betting and analytics.
Brent Musburger: Net Worth
Brent Musburger has an estimated net worth of $18 million as of 2025.
Sources of Income:
- Broadcasting contracts with CBS, ABC, ESPN
- Founding member and lead voice of VSiN
- Investments and endorsements
- Guest appearances and film cameos
His long-standing career in broadcasting, coupled with entrepreneurial ventures like VSiN, has helped him amass a sizable fortune. His voice has become as valuable as his insights, especially in the ever-growing world of sports betting media.
Brent Musburger and Joe Namath
One of the most iconic figures Musburger frequently covered and commented on during his early career was Joe Namath, the flamboyant and fearless quarterback of the New York Jets.
Their Connection:
- Musburger covered Super Bowl III, where Namath famously guaranteed a Jets win, a prediction that came true and shocked the world.
- Brent’s commentary on Namath often highlighted not just his gameplay but also his personality and impact on pop culture.
- Both men came to represent different but vital aspects of American sports: Namath the rebel icon, and Musburger the authoritative voice who chronicled the game.
Respect Between Legends:
While Musburger was often critical of Namath’s off-field lifestyle, there was a mutual respect. Namath himself once stated that Musburger was among the few sportscasters who truly understood the cultural shift in football during the 1960s and 70s.
Brent Musburger in The Waterboy
Many fans may not know that Brent Musburger made a cameo in the 1998 Adam Sandler hit film, The Waterboy.
Details of His Role:
- He appears as a commentator during the climactic Bourbon Bowl game.
- His appearance alongside Dan Fouts added a layer of authenticity to the fictional football action.
- The film used Musburger’s real-life charisma and knowledge to give the game scenes a realistic sports broadcast feel.
This cameo further solidified Musburger’s image as the go-to voice of football, even in Hollywood.
Brent Musburger’s Wife: Arlene Clare Sander
Brent Musburger has been married to Arlene Clare Sander since 1963, and the couple remains together after more than 60 years of marriage.
Family Life:
- They have two sons, Blake and Scott.
- Arlene has mostly stayed out of the public eye, but Brent has credited her with being his anchor and biggest supporter throughout his demanding career.
In a world where public marriages often face challenges, Brent and Arlene’s lasting union is a testament to commitment and mutual respect.
The Katherine Webb Moment: A Viral Sensation
One of the most talked-about incidents in Musburger’s later career occurred during the 2013 BCS National Championship Game between Alabama and Notre Dame.
What Happened:
- ESPN’s camera panned to Katherine Webb, the then-girlfriend (and future wife) of Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron.
- Musburger commented, “You quarterbacks get all the good-looking women,” and referred to Webb as “beautiful.”
Reaction:
- The comments went viral overnight.
- While some viewed it as harmless admiration, others saw it as outdated and borderline inappropriate.
Aftermath:
- ESPN issued an apology for Musburger’s remarks.
- Webb herself defended Musburger, saying she wasn’t offended and appreciated the compliment.
This incident showcased how media standards have evolved, but also how Musburger’s off-the-cuff style could generate attention, even controversy.
Brent Musburger’s Legacy in Sports Broadcasting
Musburger’s career spans a revolutionary era in sports media. He transitioned from radio to television and finally to digital platforms like VSiN, adapting every step of the way.
Key Attributes of His Broadcasting Style:
- Commanding Voice
- Strong Opinions
- In-depth Analysis
- Cultural Awareness
He was never afraid to speak his mind, even when it ruffled feathers. His authenticity endeared him to sports fans across generations.
Brent Musburger and Sports Betting
In 2017, Brent Musburger pivoted from mainstream sports broadcasting to launch VSiN (Vegas Stats & Information Network).
What Is VSiN?
- A multi-platform sports betting content network
- Focuses on analysis, odds, betting trends, and real-time data
- Regular coverage of NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAA, and major events like the Super Bowl or March Madness
Why It Matters:
Musburger was ahead of the curve. Before legalized sports betting swept across the U.S., he foresaw its rise and built a brand around it.
Fun Facts About Brent Musburger
- Catchphrase: “You are looking live…” — often used to open sports broadcasts.
- Inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame.
- Early in his career, he was a police reporter before switching to sports.
- Loves the city of Las Vegas, where he currently resides and works.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Brent Musburger has received several awards and honors:
- Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame (2011)
- NSSA National Sportscaster of the Year (several times)
- Lifetime achievement awards from various journalism associations
His work has been praised for shaping the modern sports broadcasting experience, from pregame shows to live commentary and now digital platforms.
Conclusion
Brent Musburger is more than just a sports broadcaster—he’s an institution. His voice has guided fans through decades of games, championships, upsets, and miracles. From his ties to Joe Namath and Hollywood to his viral Katherine Webb moment and pioneering role in sports betting, Musburger’s career is rich with stories and milestones.
At 85, he continues to evolve, proving that passion for sports—and the ability to adapt—can transcend generations. Whether you know him from The NFL Today, The Waterboy, or VSiN, one thing’s clear: Brent Musburger is still looking live.
FAQs
How old is Brent Musburger?
Brent Musburger is 85 years old as of August 2025.
What is Brent Musburger’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is around $18 million.
Did Brent Musburger really appear in The Waterboy?
Yes, he had a cameo as a sports commentator in the 1998 Adam Sandler film.
Who is Brent Musburger’s wife?
He is married to Arlene Clare Sander since 1963, and they have two sons.
What happened between Brent Musburger and Katherine Webb?
He made on-air remarks about Webb’s beauty during a 2013 game, which went viral. ESPN apologized, but Webb said she wasn’t offended.
What is VSiN?
VSiN (Vegas Stats & Information Network) is a sports betting media company co-founded by Musburger.
