BYU-Idaho Radio · Jerry Miller reflects on his time as a sports broadcaster at Idaho State University
Jerry Miller recently retired from his position as a sports broadcaster at Idaho State University.
His career in radio started when he was attending Rick College during the 1970s. He worked at the college’s radio station and from there, found different jobs across Idaho and Utah working for radio.
When he wasn’t employed full-time, Miller worked part-time for local stations while doing other jobs such as chopping and delivering wood. He couldn’t stay away from the love he had for play-by-play sports broadcasting.
His passion for play-by-play started when Miller was a young boy. He remembers visiting family in Rexburg for Thanksgiving and listening to the Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions game after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Lindsey Nelson was announcing the game. Miller was captivated by Nelson's voice.
Trying to fall asleep at night, he would lay in bed at night with his transistor radio and listen to other renowned sports broadcasters.
Miller has done play-by-play for many different sports at ISU. He finds any sport fascinating, but overall, basketball is his favorite to announce because of the flow of action.
“Just to be able to watch those young athletes out there, knowing how much time they put into training, and trying to be good students along the way, and then watch them get out on the field of competition. That’s the best part of it,” Miller said. “Especially when you see them win and see them reach their goals.”
Miller has spent a life doing what he loves. He was inducted into Idaho State University’s Hall of Fame and received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
“I always tell people it’s not because I’ve been that good, but because I’ve been that inexpensive. They could get me to do it for not much money. It’s never made me rich, I will say that,” Miller said. “But how can I not be anything but humbled when I look at this lifetime Achievement Award and look at other people who have received it at ISU.”