The roar of the crowd at Jordan-Hare Stadium has always been electric, but for generations of Auburn fans, one voice has carried that energy directly into their homes, cars, and hearts: Andy Burcham. This week, the longtime broadcaster added another accolade to his legendary career, picking up not one but two prestigious ESPN awards recognizing excellence in sports broadcasting.
Burcham, who has been the “Voice of the Tigers” since 2019 and a staple of Auburn athletics coverage for more than 30 years, was honored with Best College Play-by-Play Broadcaster and the Lifetime Achievement Award in Sports Radio at ESPN’s annual Sports Media Celebration in Bristol, Connecticut. The announcement was met with thunderous applause from industry peers—and even louder cheers from the Auburn faithful back home.
“This is humbling beyond words,” Burcham said in his acceptance speech. “I’ve always considered myself a storyteller for Auburn, carrying the passion of the fans and the spirit of our athletes. These awards are as much theirs as they are mine.”
Burcham’s journey began in the late 1980s, when he joined Auburn’s broadcast team under the mentorship of the legendary Rod Bramblett. Known for his crisp play-by-play, encyclopedic knowledge of Auburn history, and genuine enthusiasm, Burcham quickly became a beloved figure. When tragedy struck in 2019 with the passing of Bramblett, Auburn turned to Burcham to take up the mantle—a responsibility he embraced with grace and dedication.
From nail-biting Iron Bowls to unforgettable NCAA tournament runs, Burcham has provided the soundtrack to Auburn athletics. His calls—equal parts precise, passionate, and heartfelt—have resonated not only with fans but also with players and coaches. Auburn head football coach Hugh Freeze praised him, saying, “Andy doesn’t just call games. He captures the heartbeat of Auburn.”
The ESPN honors are particularly significant, as they place Burcham among the most respected voices in college sports nationwide. Auburn University plans to celebrate the achievement during halftime of the upcoming home game, where fans will have a chance to show their appreciation with a stadium-wide salute.
For Burcham, though, the awards are less about personal recognition and more about Auburn pride. “I’m blessed to tell Auburn’s story,” he said. “Every Saturday, every season, every moment—it’s about family, tradition, and the incredible spirit of Tiger Nation.”
As the sun sets on another fall in Auburn, one thing is certain: Andy Burcham’s voice will keep echoing across the Plains, stronger and prouder than ever.
