Brad Sham on Entering His 8th Decade and 41st Cowboy Season

by Leslie Farin

What does Brad Sham have in common with Meryl Streep, Richard Gere, and Bruce Springsteen? At first glance, you may think not much. But all four will celebrate their 70^th birthdays this year, and all four continue to work in jobs they love.

Brad Sham Enters His 41st Season with the Cowboys

It’s official, many people 70 years young are vibrant and sharp, not fragile and in declining health as our youth-obsessed culture seems to think. Brad Michael Sham, the iconic “Voice of the Cowboys”, was born on August 16, 1949. This year will be his 41^st season with the Dallas franchise.   He’s won 8 Katie Awards from the Press Club of Dallas and has been named Texas Sportscaster of the Year 12 times by the National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association and is a member of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame. In September 2018, Jerry Jones celebrated Brad hitting 40 years with the Cowboys by designating “The Brad Sham Home Radio Booth” at AT&T Stadium.

Brad’s accomplished a lot in his 70 years and does not plan to slow down anytime soon. He is a gifted storyteller with a quick wit that makes him seem ageless. Yes, his hair is gray, but his attitude is youthful, and his deep booming voice is as strong as ever. The knowledge and experience evident in his broadcasts are the only giveaways to his age.

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Seventy Is Just a Number

Brad admits to having somewhat of a hard time with his upcoming birthday, but he says,

“Seventy is a big number”, he said, “But it’s still just a number”.

Upon reflecting upon his life, Brad shared he experienced some ups and downs when building his career, as we all do. Despite some disappointments, looking back, he believes he ended up exactly where he was supposed to be, every step of the way.

For example, in 1970, a 21-year-old Brad sent a tape of his work to a radio station in Mason City, Iowa in response to an ad he read in Broadcasting Magazine. He was devastated to receive a letter back from the hiring manager suggesting he “might want to consider another line of work”.  Fortunately for Cowboys fans, he didn’t give up his dream and obviously things worked out ok for him.

I asked Brad what aging means to him and what’s changed for him over the years. On a professional level, he believes his years of experience provided him with wisdom and confidence he didn’t possess when younger, which in turn made him a better announcer. He also talked about changes in the broadcasting business.

“Everything is different. There was no internet or streaming when I started. The rules of the game (football) have changed too. And another big change is where the broadcasters sit during the games – we used to get the best seats close to the field, but those prime spots were converted years ago into high-priced seats for the fans.”

Brad Sham Strives for a Work-Life Balance

Brad’s work continues to be a priority, but he works harder to achieve more of a balance these days. His family, though always important to him, has become even more so. His mother, brother, adult son, niece and nephew, and 6 great-nieces and nephews all live in the area. Holidays are big noisy affairs, full of love and laughter. Brad helps care for his 93-year mom, a wonderful fun-loving lady who only in the last few years began to experience declining health.

Another change is Brad’s strong commitment to his faith which developed over the last 15 years. Becoming more immersed in his synagogue led to a strong desire to “give back” and to try to improve the world in his own small way. He sits on the board at Temple Emanuel and devotes as much time to volunteer work as his schedule allows.

“Sometimes it’s about lending a helping hand and being there even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient,” says Brad.

Not Slowing Down Yet

Though on the 70-yard line, Brad is too young to be in the end zone. We look forward to listening to his broadcasts for many more years!

An AARP survey showed that of all the decades surveyed, the 70s tend to be some of the happiest years. Why? As per Brad, with aging and experience comes personal growth, and an appreciation of the simple things in life.

Fun Facts About Brad Sham

Brad Sham is a renowned American sportscaster primarily known for his work as the radio play-by-play announcer for the Dallas Cowboys. Here are some fun facts about the iconic radio “Voice of the Cowboys”.

Long-Standing Career

Brad Sham has been the radio voice of the Dallas Cowboys since 1977. He has provided play-by-play commentary for countless Cowboys games over the years.

Voice of “America’s Team”

Sham’s distinctive voice has become synonymous with the Dallas Cowboys, earning him the title of “The Voice of the Cowboys.”

Signature Call

He is famous for his iconic touchdown call, “Touchdown, Cowboys!” which has become a familiar catchphrase for fans of the team.

Versatility

While Sham is best known for his work with the Cowboys, he has also covered other sports and events during his career, showcasing his versatility as a sportscaster.

Awards and Recognition

Brad Sham’s exceptional work as a sportscaster has not gone unnoticed. He has received several awards and honors throughout his career.

Involvement in Other Ventures

Apart from his sports broadcasting career, Sham has been involved in various charitable activities and community initiatives in the Dallas area.

Relationship with Dallas Cowboys Legends

Over the years, Brad Sham has had the privilege of working alongside and developing friendships with many Dallas Cowboys legends, adding to the depth of his knowledge and insight into the team’s history.

National Recognition

While he is primarily known for his work within the Dallas Cowboys organization, Brad Sham’s talent and expertise have garnered recognition on a national level.

Loyal Fan Base

Cowboys fans have grown fond of Sham’s engaging commentary style and his ability to convey the excitement of the game to listeners.

Impact on the Game

With his long tenure as the radio play-by-play announcer for the Dallas Cowboys, Brad Sham has become a significant part of the team’s history and has played a role in shaping the game’s experience for fans.