Gus Johnson Falls Ill, Leaves Fox’s Oklahoma-Nebraska Broadcast

Broadcast partner Joel Klatt said that the play-by-play man was “under the weather.”

Renowned play-by-play broadcaster Gus Johnson left the booth late in the first half of Fox’s broadcast of the game between Oklahoma and Nebraska on Saturday afternoon after falling “under the weather.”

Johnson called the second-to-last play in the first half of the game before going silent. Analyst Joel Klatt picked up the play-by-play responsibilities for the final play of the second quarter and led the broadcast into the halftime break. 

Following the Fox Sports halftime show, Klatt was the first to speak, saying that Johnson needed to step away because he was “under the weather.” Shortly after he made that statement, Brady Quinn joined him on the broadcast, assuming the analyst role.

At that point, Klatt issued a slightly longer explanation, but did not reveal any specifics about Johnson’s illness.

“Gus is doing well. He’s just very much under the weather,” he said early in the second half. “He’s gonna step away here in the second half. I’ll be taking you the rest of the way with Brady [Quinn] and Jenny [Taft] on the sidelines. Coach Meyer will join us at some point, and we’ll continue this conversation about this great rivalry and these two programs.” 

Rest up Gus 🙏

Gus Johnson is feeling under the weather and will be stepping away for the second half, Joel Klatt and Brady Quinn will be on the call for the remainder of the game pic.twitter.com/izKRDR29GU

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 17, 2022

Klatt shared an update on Johnson’s status Saturday evening, tweeting in part, “Gus is doing well and already looking forward to next week!! Can’t wait to have him back.”

Numerous personalities took to social media following the news of Johnson’s departure from the booth to wish him well. 

Hate to hear @gusjohnson is too sick 🙏to go in the 2nd half. Get well brother! @joelklatt is an analyst that I’ve said could easily convert to PXP @Brady_Quinn make his way up into the booth to help out with analysis it speaks to both fellas and their combined talents.📺🎧🎙🏈

— Tim Brando (@TimBrando) September 17, 2022

I Certainly hope Gus Johnson is OK after stepping out of the booth in Lincoln at half. "Under the weather" can mean different things. Sending Gus best wishes! Meanwhile Fellow Buff @joelklatt doing admirable job as emergency PxP.. very solid.

— Chris Fowler (@cbfowler) September 17, 2022

Gus Johnson taking sick leave mid-game. Hope he's okay.

— Stephen Nehrenz (@StephenNehrenz) September 17, 2022

Hoping Gus Johnson is all good!

— Tate Frazier (@tatefrazier) September 17, 2022