Colorado Sports Hall of Famer and longtime Denver Broncos broadcaster, Larry Zimmer, has sadly passed away at the age of 88. Zimmer, who had been hospitalized for 10 days at St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood, died on Saturday, as announced by the University of Colorado.

Having dedicated seven decades to his broadcasting career, Zimmer was an iconic figure in Colorado sports. He served as the play-by-play voice of the Broncos for 26 years, starting as a color commentator and then transitioning to play-by-play from 1990 to 1996. Over the course of his tenure, he called a total of 536 Broncos games, including four Super Bowls.

Beyond his contributions to the Broncos, Zimmer was also deeply involved in college football broadcasting. In fact, he was part of broadcasts for 50 college football seasons, covering an impressive 486 University of Colorado football games and 525 men's basketball games.

The news of Zimmer's passing has triggered an outpouring of tributes from across the state. One of those paying homage is the current voice of the Broncos, Dave Logan. Logan revealed that he may never have applied for the Broncos broadcasting position at KOA if it hadn't been for Zimmer's encouragement. Logan, who grew up listening to Zimmer on the radio, expressed his admiration for the late broadcaster, describing him as both an excellent professional and an exceptional person.

Larry Zimmer was born on November 13, 1935, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He initially attended Louisiana State University before transferring to the University of Missouri, where he graduated before serving in the United States Army for two years.

Zimmer's career in broadcasting began with high school and Mizzou games. However, he soon made his way to Michigan before ultimately settling in Denver in 1971 to join KOA. Throughout his time in the broadcasting industry, Zimmer became an integral part of Colorado's sporting landscape.

The influence and impact of Zimmer's voice on countless listeners cannot be understated. For many, his play-by-play commentary served as a soundtrack to cherished sports memories. His unmistakable voice conjured up emotions and nostalgia, transporting listeners back to significant moments in their lives.

Larry Zimmer's contribution to the world of sports broadcasting will forever be remembered and cherished by fans and colleagues alike. A broadcasting legend and a beloved figure, his loss leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of the Denver Broncos community.