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LISTEN: Lions radio analyst Jim Brandstatter 'I was stunned' on being fired

Published  July 10, 2018 7:11pm EDT
Sports
FOX 2 Detroit

A familiar voice of the Detroit Lions on the radio said on Tuesday that, after more than 30 years on the air, he's been fired as the radio analyst.

Jim Brandstatter has been a fixture of sports radio for the Detroit Lions for the past 31 years but that came to an end on Tuesday when he tweeted the news that the WJR was changing to a new analyst.

"A quick heads up guys. This morning, WJR let me know they were going a different direction and terminated me from their Lions broadcasts. I had a great run of 31 years. I can't thank Lion fans enough for spending time with me on all those Sundays. #ILoveDetroit #OnePride."

WJR confirmed the news later on Tuesday.

Tom O'Brien, Vice President/General Manager, WJR, said in a press release, "Jim Brandstatter did an excellent job for the past two years on WJR and for many years prior, and we're proud of the work we did together."

The Lions also released a statement.

“As a color analyst for the Detroit Lions Radio Network for more than three decades, Jim Brandstatter helped bring together Lions fans everywhere. His unwavering passion and knowledge for the game of football, both as a broadcaster and former player, were instrumental to our radio broadcasts. We sincerely thank Jim for his countless contributions to our team over the years and for the positive impact he’ll continue to make in the football community.”

Brandstatter, a Michigan native, was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.

WJR confirmed that former Lions tackle Lomas Brown will take over the job as analyst starting this season.

"The addition of Lomas Brown, a former All Pro Lion, will bring a unique perspective to the game day broadcast," O'Brien added in press release.

Brown was a 1985 first round pick by the Detroit Lions and played 11 of his 18 seasons in Honolulu blue.

"I am very excited by this opportunity," Brown said in press release. "I know I have some big shoes to fill, but I'm excited about the chance to talk to all those great Lions fans every week!"

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