Kyle Crooks is the newly appointed play-by-play voice of Nebraska Football on the Huskers Radio Network. He credits his parents as a lasting inspiration.
He stepped into this high-profile role following the passing of longtime broadcaster Greg Sharpe.
Highlights
- Brenda and John Crooks raised Kyle in a close-knit family with three brothers in Pompton Plains, New Jersey.
- John was his best friend who would call or text after every broadcast, celebrating his achievements and offering encouragement through challenges.
- John’s passing in 2023 left a profound void as he was the rock in the challenging moments.
Kyle will serve as the Director of Broadcasting for the Huskers Radio Network, taking over lead football duties while also co-hosting Sports Nightly.
He joined Nebraska after eight years with the University of Florida, where he called football, basketball, baseball, and more for the Gators Radio Network and SEC Network+.
His versatile experience includes national broadcasts with the College Football Game of the Week and SEC Radio coverage of women’s basketball and softball.
Kyle is a rising star in broadcasting, and Director of Athletics Troy Dannen was impressed with his dedication to his craft and his energy. His play-by-play abilities and voice speak for themselves.
He will team with analyst Damon Benning and sideline reporter Jessica Coody for Husker football broadcasts, joining Kent Pavelka, John Baylor, and Matt Coatney.
Before his time at Florida, Kyle honed his skills at Fairleigh Dickinson, USC Upstate, and in minor league baseball with the Jacksonville Suns.
Now, he steps into one of college sports’ most storied roles, ready to bring the excitement of Husker football to fans everywhere.
I am incredibly excited for this opportunity! It’s a dream come true to broadcast the great moments ahead for the Cornhuskers. I can’t wait to get to Lincoln and meet Husker Nation. It will be an honor to work alongside a talented team in the Greg Sharpe Radio Booth. Greg is a legend in the broadcast industry and beyond, and I will work passionately to continue his elite standard of excellence both in the booth and in the community.
Kyle Crooks
Kyle Crooks’ Unbreakable Bond With His Parents
Kyle Crooks, the son of Brenda and John Crooks, was born and raised in Pompton Plains, New Jersey. His parents raised him alongside his three brothers, Jack, Mike, and Dan.
He grew up in a close-knit family, and his family remains a primary inspiration to this day.
Kyle grew up in a family that shaped his values and inspired his broadcasting journey.
His parents raised him alongside his three brothers, creating a household filled with love, laughter, and intense bonds.
Brenda Crooks has often been a source of lighthearted moments in his life.
In one particularly endearing instance, Kyle taught her how to take a selfie, sparking a wave of hilarious reactions from fans.
One comment perfectly captured the moment: “Kyle Crooks and his mom….. reporting live.” The playful exchange highlighted their close bond and Brenda’s willingness to embrace her son’s world with humor and warmth.
Meanwhile, John Crooks was his biggest supporter, always cheering him on with constant encouragement.
Sadly, John’s passing in September 2023 left a profound void. Although he is deeply missed, his legacy lives on through the values he instilled in Kyle and his brothers.
Nonetheless, Kyle credits his family as his primary inspiration. The love and lessons from Brenda and John continue to guide him, reminding fans everywhere of the enduring power of family.
Kyle Crooks’ Father Had Inspired Him In Broadcasting
The Crooks family faces an unimaginable loss with the untimely passing of John Crooks. He was a devoted father, steadfast supporter, and relentless fighter.
He left behind a legacy of love, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to his family.
John was more than a father to Kyle Crooks. He was his best friend and biggest cheerleader.
Moreover, he would call or text after every broadcast without fail, celebrating the sports broadcasters’ achievements and offering encouragement through challenges.
John understood how much his son’s career meant to him, and his support was a constant source of strength.
His love for his family knew no bounds, and he did everything for the family. He was their rock in the challenging moments, lifting them with his resilience and determination.
Even in his final days, his spirit never wavered.
One of the last things he texted me was, ‘I’m a fighter”, and boy was that true. A few weeks ago, when we knew more about his prognosis, he told me to ‘never give an inch’ when it came to my career and my life. I promise to live by that every day, just for him.
Kyle Crooks
Furthermore, beyond his role as a father, John found joy in life’s simple pleasures, such as meticulously caring for his lawn, a task he took great pride in perfecting.
It was a reflection of who he was: a man who put his heart into everything he did.
Although the pain of his absence is profound, Kyle and his family will carry forward John’s legacy, living with the same fight, love, and perseverance he embodied.
Rest in peace, John Crooks. Your strength and love will never be forgotten.
Additional Information
- Kyle Crooks graduated with an Associate of Arts (A.A.) in communication from Country College of Morris and joined William Paterson University in New Jersey in 2012.
- He served as the Sports Director of the William Paterson University radio station, WPSC 88.7 FM.
- He co-hosted the podcast Broadcaster Hour, where he interviewed top professionals in the sports broadcasting industry.
- He won the Best Collegiate ‘Basketball Play-by-Play’ at the 2014 Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Awards and the Best Sports Broadcaster’ at the 2014 Maltese Awards.
