Mississippi State Bulldogs Broadcast Legend Jack Cristil Passes Away at 88

In what is a sad moment for college football and America in general, Mississippi State has announced that one of the greatest broadcasters of our time or any time, Jack Cristil, has passed away at the age of 88.

Jack will be remembered as the iron man behind the microphone—636 total football games, which accounts for over 60 percent of the total games in Mississippi State history.

MSU athletic director Scott Stricklin took to Twitter to address the sad news.

"

Very sad to share this: Mississippi State lost it’s Voice tonight, Jack Cristil. #HailState #WrapItInMaroonAndWhite http://t.co/erQU8oAc8v

— Scott Stricklin (@stricklinMSU) September 8, 2014"

MSU President Mark E. Keenum also offered words about Cristil in the school's announcement: 

"

As a lifelong Bulldog, my heart is heavy at learning of the passing of legendary MSU broadcaster Jack Cristil. Jack's deep love of this university was always evident in his words and in his deeds. He was a tireless ambassador for Mississippi State and he brought great honor and distinction to our university as one of the most revered radio announcers in American history.

"

Funeral arrangements weren't immediately known, but all communication about such events will come from the MSU Office of Public Affairs.

Fan groups are calling for respects to be paid at the family's commemorative brick.

"

If you wish to pay your respects to Jack Cristil in person, his brick is found in section I-2. pic.twitter.com/AOyAbKEFvA

— M&WN (@mandwnation) September 8, 2014"

Cristil was a recipient of the Ronald Reagan Lifetime Achievement Award in 1992, given by the National Association of Sportscasters and Sportswriters, and won the Mississippi Broadcaster of the Year Award a record 21 times. Perhaps no one in any sport will ever be as well-known for who they called games for as much as Cristil was with Mississippi State football.

In addition to his football games, Cristil called roughly 55 percent of all of the school's basketball games. He did football for 58 seasons and basketball for 54.

Fittingly, Cristil's last football game called was one of the most memorable in recent times, as it was the 52-14 Gator Bowl win over the Michigan Wolverines in 2011.

Follow Dan Irwin on Twitter @irwinsports or on Facebook.