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MEET JIM

Jim Brandstatter and woman posing for a picture

About Jim Brandstatter

Jim Brandstatter is a veteran of 50 years in the sports broadcasting industry; and he was a part of the University of Michigan Football teams in 1969-71.

Over the life of his career, Jim has received numerous honors and awards. He’s been Michigan’s Sports Broadcaster of the Year twice. He’s been named to the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame and Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame, and the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame among others.

Maybe Jim’s best award was winning the heart of former Channel 7 WXYZ Emmy Award-winning News Anchor Robbie Timmons — they’ve been married for over 42 years.

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Michigan Football (1969)

Having been part of the University of Michigan Football teams in 1969-71, Jim was a part of two Big Ten championship teams, he participated in two Rose Bowl games, and his Wolverine teams compiled a three-year record of 28-5. In his senior season, Jim was honored with All Big Ten recognition as an offensive tackle.

Jim Brandstatter et al. standing in front of a computer

TV Broadcasting Career (1972)

Ten months after he played in the Rose Bowl of 1972, Jim began a sports broadcasting career at a small TV station in Saginaw Michigan. From those beginnings came a career that included 43 years on University of Michigan football broadcasts as the play-by-play and color analyst.

Radio Broadcasting Career (1979)

His last 8 years in the broadcast booth he paired with his U of M teammate, and NFL Hall of Famer Dan Dierdorf to create a special duo that Wolverine fans religiously tuned into on fall Saturdays. While being the “Voice of Michigan Football” Jim served 31 years as the color analyst’s voice of Detroit Lions Football on their state-wide radio network. He also hosted the Michigan Football coach’s show, “Michigan Replay” which was renamed “Inside Michigan Football” from 1980, to 2022.

a man wearing a hat and glasses
Jim Brandstatter wearing a hat and sunglasses posing for the camera

The Brandy Show Podcast (2002)

Besides his books and other projects, Jim has also developed a podcast called “Conversations with…” He has engaged his friends and colleagues that he has worked with or known over the years to take some time and chat about their careers and lives. It is kind of like sitting down and eavesdropping on two friends having a chat. The people chatting with Jim have such a great history and background, that it’s an easy listen and interesting.

Motivational Speaking (2020)

During his career, Jim has been very active as a motivational speaker, and master of ceremonies for charitable events. He has been a major supporter of the Michigan Cardio Vascular Center’s Heart of a Champion Fund which was started by Jim’s former college coach Bo Schembechler. The Reggie McKenzie Foundation, Mott Children’s Hospital, Autism Awareness, NFL Alumni Charities, The Michigan Hero’s Museum and countless other charities have been part of Jim’s commitment to his community.

a man wearing a hat and glasses
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New Audiobook Released (2022)

Jim releases his new audiobook, Voices of Michigan Stadium, and enhances his social media footprint through an updated, multimedia website complete with blogs, photos, recipes, and much more!

Honors and Achievements

  • Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB) Hall of Fame
  • Michigan Sports Hall of Fame
  • Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame
  • Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame
  • Michigan NATAS Silver & Gold Circle Honoree
  • Two Time Sportscaster of the Year in Michigan – Natl. Assoc. of Sporstcasters and Sportwriters
  • Two Time President Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association
  • Distinguished Alumni Service Award-Univ. of Michigan
  • Ty Tyson Award-Detroit Sports Broadcasters Assoc.
  • MAB/WJR Best in Category Talk Show, “Brandy and Bo”
  • Michigan Replay/Inside Michigan Football 43 Years Host Emmy Nominated Coach’s Show
  • Co-Host Emmy Nominated Michigan Bell Showdown
    Michigan Section PGA Televised Tournament
  • Best in Category MAB, Radio Play by Play, Detroit Lions broadcasts with Dan Miller
  • Best in Category MAB, Radio Play by Play,  U of M Football broadcasts with Frank Beckmann
  • Gerald Ford Lifetime Impact Award- 2023 Michigan Football
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