Jim Brandstatter

Jim Brandstatter (born ) is an American former sportscaster. He served as a radio announcer for the Michigan Wolverines football team from 1979 to 2021, and for the Detroit Lions from 1987 to 2017. Brandstatter is also a sports television show host and former radio show host; both TV and radio shows about Michigan football.

Brandstatter played college football for the Wolverines, from 1969 to 1972, where he was a standout offensive tackle. Brandstatter has written two non-fiction books about UM experiences, both of which were best-sellers in the sports category. His other positions include the two-time president of the Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association. Brandstatter leaving the Detroit Lions radio broadcast was announced on July 10, 2018.

Early life Childhood and family Brandstatter was born in East Lansing, Michigan, one of five boys born to Art Brandstatter Sr., an All-American fullback for the Michigan State Spartans football team in 1936. From 1969 to 1972, he was an offensive tackle on the varsity team during Coach Bo Schembechler's first three seasons.

Brandstatter made the All-Big Ten team in 1971 and played in two Rose Bowls, during his time with Michigan (1970 and 1972).

Brandstatter signed with the New England Patriots of the National Football League after going undrafted in the 1972 NFL draft, but was released during training camp in June. He joined the Lansing All Stars of the Midwest Football League in August 1974, where his brother Art was the head coach. He also played with the team in 1975 when they became the Lansing Capitals.

Broadcasting career Television After graduating from the University of Michigan, Brandstatter was hired as the sports director of WEYI-TV in the Flint–Tri-Cities area. After 30 years, Brandstatter remains the original host and the show has grown from being seen only in Southeastern Michigan to available nationwide on cable and satellite.

Radio Brandstatter formerly hosted a weekly college football radio show, called Brandy and Bo with Coach Bo Schembechler. Brandy and Bo talked with coaches previewing upcoming games and discussed issues facing collegiate football.

Brandstatter could be heard calling play-by-play of his alma mater's football games on the Michigan Sports Network, teaming with color analyst Dan Dierdorf, sideline reporter Doug Karsch. and studio analyst Jon Jansen until the end of the 2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season. From 1979 to 2013, Brandstatter was the color analyst on the Michigan radio broadcasts, while Frank Beckmann called play-by-play.

From 1987 until July 2018, Brandstatter worked as the radio color commentator for the Detroit Lions Radio Network.

Brandstatter also hosts the syndicated weekly Inside Michigan Football TV Show highlighting players, game day highlights and comments by Coach Jim Harbaugh and other coaches and players, along with Doug Karsch and Ed Kengerski during the college football season.