Verne Lundquist Net Worth in 2025: Life, Legacy and Career Earnings
Verne Lundquist is a name that resonates with sports fans across generations. Known for his distinct voice and iconic calls, he has been a central figure in sports broadcasting for decades. In 2025, many are curious about his net worth, lifestyle, and the legacy he leaves behind after officially stepping away from the broadcast booth.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Merton Laverne “Verne” Lundquist Jr. |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 17, 1940 |
| Age (2025) | 84 years old |
| Birthplace | Duluth, Minnesota, USA |
| Height | Approx. 5’5” |
| Net Worth (2025) | ~$2 million |
| Profession | Sportscaster, Broadcaster |
| Known For | The Masters, NCAA Basketball, NFL, College Football |
| Nickname | “The Golden Throat” |
| Marital Status | Married to Nancy Lundquist (since 1982) |
| Children | 1 son, Vaughan Matthew Lundquist |
| Residence | Steamboat Springs, Colorado |
| Notable Film Appearance | Happy Gilmore (1996), Happy Gilmore 2 (2025) |
Early Life and Background
Born on July 17, 1940, in Duluth, Minnesota, Verne Lundquist grew up in a family with strong Lutheran roots. His father served as a Lutheran pastor and president of the Texas Synod of the Augustana Lutheran Church. Lundquist later moved to Texas, where he graduated from Austin High School before enrolling at Texas Lutheran University, graduating in 1962. During his college years, he co-founded the Omega Tau fraternity and remained connected with the university throughout his life, even serving on its Board of Regents.
Beginning of a Broadcasting Career
Verne’s career started modestly. He worked as a radio DJ in Davenport, Iowa, before moving into television. In Austin and later Dallas, he became a sports anchor, eventually joining the Dallas Cowboys Radio Network in 1967. His early career may not have been lucrative, but it was here that he laid the foundation for his legendary broadcasting journey.
Rise to National Prominence
Lundquist joined ABC Sports in 1974, bringing his voice to a national audience. By 1982, he transitioned to CBS Sports, where he cemented his reputation. His versatility allowed him to cover a range of sports: from the NFL to college football, NCAA basketball, figure skating, and most notably, golf’s Masters Tournament.
His coverage wasn’t just commentary it was storytelling. Fans recall his emphatic “Yes!” after Christian Laettner’s buzzer-beater in the 1992 NCAA Tournament as one of the greatest calls in basketball history.
Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Verne Lundquist’s net worth is estimated at around $2 million. This figure comes from decades of steady broadcasting salaries, contracts, and occasional appearances in films and commercials. Unlike athletes or media moguls, sportscasters often earn comfortable but not extravagant incomes. For Lundquist, wealth was built steadily through long-term contracts and credibility rather than flashy endorsements.
While some sources suggest a range between $1.5 million and $5 million, most reputable estimates place his net worth closer to $2 million. This reflects both his long career and his modest lifestyle.
Career Highlights and Earnings
Throughout his career, Lundquist was the voice of unforgettable sports moments. His work included:
- NFL on CBS: He provided play-by-play for some of the league’s biggest games.
- College Football: For decades, he was a staple voice of SEC football, becoming beloved by fans in the South.
- NCAA Basketball: His calls of tournament classics, especially Laettner’s 1992 shot, remain timeless.
- Golf’s Masters: Perhaps his most iconic role, Lundquist called memorable moments at Augusta for more than 40 years.
These assignments came with salaries that grew as his reputation did. By his later years at CBS, he was among the respected elder statesmen of the broadcast booth.
Personal Life and Family
Verne Lundquist has been married three times. His first marriage was to Patricia Lundquist in 1967, followed by a marriage to Kathy Vernon in 1972. In 1982, he married Nancy Lundquist, and the couple has been together since. They share a son, Vaughan Matthew Lundquist.
Family has always been an anchor in his life. Away from the camera, Lundquist values time with his loved ones, and his long-lasting marriage to Nancy is often noted as a stabilizing factor during his busy career.
Lifestyle and Residence
Verne lives in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where he enjoys a quieter life after retiring from full-time broadcasting. His home, often described as a Colorado compound, reflects his preference for comfort over extravagance. He has also been involved in the local community, including supporting the Strings Music Festival in Steamboat.
Physical Appearance and Age
At 84 years old in 2025, Verne Lundquist has the distinguished look of a seasoned broadcaster. While his exact height is not widely documented, sources place him at about 5’5”. Age has slowed him down, but his presence remains commanding, whether in interviews or guest appearances.
Final Broadcasts and Retirement
Lundquist stepped away from college football broadcasting in 2016, with the Army-Navy game marking his final call in that sport. In 2018, he retired from NCAA basketball coverage. His last major role was covering The Masters, with his final broadcast taking place in April 2024, closing a 40-year chapter of golf commentary.
Legacy in Broadcasting
Nicknamed “The Golden Throat,” Verne Lundquist has left a permanent mark on sports broadcasting. His ability to balance emotion with professionalism set him apart. Unlike some commentators who made themselves the center of attention, Lundquist let the game breathe, elevating the drama without overshadowing it.
Younger sportscasters cite him as a mentor and inspiration, proof that longevity and integrity create a lasting career. His calls continue to appear in highlight reels and retrospectives, keeping his voice alive for new generations.
Social Media and Public Presence
Unlike modern broadcasters, Lundquist never built a significant social media presence. He belongs to a generation where reputation was built through TV and radio, not Twitter or Instagram. Nevertheless, his name trends during major sporting events, with fans sharing his old calls on YouTube and other platforms.
Fun Facts
- Verne Lundquist made a cameo in Happy Gilmore (1996), a cult-classic sports comedy, and is credited in its sequel Happy Gilmore 2 (2025).
- He has also contributed his voice to video games like NBA Live ’98.
- Despite his fame, he remains approachable and is widely described by colleagues as kind and down-to-earth.
- His nickname, “Golden Throat,” reflects the reverence his peers and fans have for his broadcasting skills.
Conclusion
In 2025, Verne Lundquist’s story is one of dedication, longevity, and integrity. With an estimated net worth of $2 million, he represents the steady, respected side of sports broadcasting. More than the money, his true wealth lies in the memories he helped create for millions of fans. As he enjoys retirement in Colorado with his family, his voice continues to echo in the history of American sports, ensuring his legacy endures.
FAQs
What is Verne Lundquist’s net worth in 2025?
His net worth is estimated at around $2 million, based on decades of broadcasting salaries and appearances.
How old is Verne Lundquist in 2025?
He is 84 years old, born on July 17, 1940.
Where does Verne Lundquist live now?
He resides in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, enjoying retirement with his wife.
Is Verne Lundquist still broadcasting?
No, he retired after his final Masters Tournament broadcast in April 2024.
Does Verne Lundquist use social media?
He does not actively use social media, but his calls and appearances are widely shared by fans and networks.
