Verne Lundquist to Step Down from 'SEC on CBS' After 2016 Season

CBS announced Tuesday broadcaster Verne Lundquist will step down from his duties as the lead announcer for SEC on CBS effective at the end of the 2016 season. 

Brad Nessler will take over for Lundquist at the beginning of the 2017 campaign.

Lundquist released a statement about the move:

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Being a part of the SEC on CBS since 2000 has been the most significant assignment I've been given in my more than five decades in this business. Now, it's time to step back and take in the aroma of those tulips, those roses, and those daffodils that friends have been telling me about for years. In 2017, I'll happily step aside from college football and welcome Brad to the booth. I've known Brad for more than 30 years and have always admired his work ethic and his on-air presence. He shares the same passion for college football that I do. The SEC on CBS is in great hands. Brad and [Gary Danielson] will form a great partnership in the years ahead.

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Over the years, Lundquist has become one of the most recognizable voices in college football. For a generation of college football fans, he will forever be synonymous with the SEC.

Even after spending decades in the booth, the 75-year-old continues to bring a genuine excitement to his broadcasts. His audible shock during the "Prayer at Jordan-Hare" made the moment all the more special:

Fox Sports' Bruce Feldman is among the many disappointed to hear of Lundquist's impending departure from SEC games:

Lundquist isn't leaving CBS Sports completely. According to the network, he will still be a part of CBS' college basketball and golf coverage.