Chris Marlowe – Denver Nuggets Broadcaster Celebrates 20 Years with the Team
Chris Marlowe has been the television play-by-play voice of the Denver Nuggets since 2004, making this his 21st season with the team. His distinctive announcing style and deep basketball knowledge have made him a beloved fixture for Nuggets fans who tune in to Altitude Sports broadcasts night after night.
Before joining the Nuggets, Marlowe built an impressive broadcasting resume that includes eight consecutive Olympic telecasts. The former volleyball player turned broadcaster has proven versatile throughout his career, also handling play-by-play duties for selected Pac-12 Network broadcasts.
Born September 28, 1951, Marlowe represents the voice of stability for a franchise that has evolved from league afterthought to championship contender during his tenure. His calls during Denver’s 2023 championship run cemented his place in team history, providing the soundtrack to the most significant moments in Nuggets basketball.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Chris Marlowe’s path to becoming the Denver Nuggets’ play-by-play announcer was shaped by his formative years as a multisport athlete in California and his collegiate career that would establish his athletic credentials.
San Diego State University
Marlowe’s time at San Diego State University in the early 1970s proved pivotal for his future endeavors. He wasn’t just a one-sport athlete – he excelled in both basketball and volleyball for the Aztecs. His versatility on the court showcased the athletic foundation that would later serve him well.
The California native established himself as a leader during his time at SDSU. His dual-sport prowess was uncommon, even in that era when multi-sport athletes were more prevalent than today.
In volleyball, Marlowe’s skills truly shined. He helped lead the Aztecs to the 1973 NCAA Championship, establishing himself as an elite collegiate volleyball player.
The Start of a Volleyball Legacy
After his successful collegiate career, Marlowe quickly ascended in the volleyball world. His natural talents and court vision made him a standout player in the growing American volleyball scene.
Marlowe’s volleyball journey took him beyond San Diego, competing against powerhouse programs like UCLA and establishing himself as one of California’s premier volleyball talents.
His commitment to the sport continued well after graduation. Marlowe’s volleyball abilities eventually earned him a spot on the U.S. Olympic team, where he would make his mark on the international stage.
This volleyball foundation, somewhat ironically, provided the pathway for his later broadcasting career. His intimate knowledge of sports dynamics would prove invaluable when he eventually transitioned into announcing, first in volleyball and later with basketball.
Volleyball Career
Chris Marlowe built an impressive volleyball career before becoming the voice of the Denver Nuggets. His achievements on the court established him as one of the most accomplished players in USA Volleyball history.
Olympic Success
Marlowe reached the pinnacle of international volleyball competition as a member of the United States Men’s National Volleyball Team. His Olympic journey culminated at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where he helped lead Team USA to a gold medal.
The American squad dominated the competition on home soil, defeating Brazil in the final match. This victory represented a defining moment for USA Volleyball and remains one of the sport’s most celebrated achievements.
Marlowe’s leadership as team captain proved instrumental in the gold medal campaign. His setting ability and court awareness made him a key figure in the American offense.
Playing Professionally
Before his Olympic triumph, Marlowe established himself as a standout beach volleyball player. He competed extensively on the professional beach circuit throughout the 1970s and early 1980s.
Marlowe collected numerous tournament victories during his beach career. His technical skill and competitive drive made him one of the most formidable players of his era.
His beach volleyball statistics demonstrate his consistency:
| Achievement | Number |
|---|---|
| Tournament Wins | 15 |
| Finals Appearances | 27 |
| Years Active | 1972-1984 |
Marlowe’s playing style combined precision setting with strategic gameplay. He won several major beach tournaments while competing against the era’s top talent.
USA Volleyball and Hall of Fame
Marlowe’s contributions to volleyball extended beyond his playing career. His impact on the sport earned him recognition from multiple volleyball organizations.
He was inducted into the California Beach Volleyball Hall of Fame, honoring his significant influence on the development of the beach game. This recognition celebrates his role in growing volleyball’s popularity during a crucial period of the sport’s evolution.
Marlowe’s volleyball legacy includes both his playing achievements and his later work as a broadcaster. He became one of volleyball’s most recognized voices, calling multiple Olympic volleyball tournaments for NBC Sports.
His volleyball expertise made him an ideal commentator for five consecutive Olympic Games, where he provided insightful analysis of both indoor and beach volleyball competitions.
Transition to Broadcasting
Chris Marlowe successfully pivoted from his athletic career to become one of basketball’s most recognizable voices. His journey through broadcasting spans decades and includes both local team coverage and prestigious international events.
From the Court to the Commentator Booth
Marlowe’s broadcasting career began after his volleyball playing days ended. The Olympic gold medalist didn’t immediately jump into basketball commentary – he paid his dues working various jobs, including as a bartender while pursuing his broadcasting dreams.
His versatility and sports knowledge helped him break into the industry. Marlowe’s distinctive voice and analytical approach quickly set him apart from other commentators.
The transition wasn’t always smooth. Like many former athletes, he had to learn the technical aspects of broadcasting while leveraging his firsthand knowledge of competitive sports.
Sports networks recognized his potential early on. His volleyball background provided unique insights into team dynamics and athletic performance that resonated with viewers.
Voice of the Nuggets
Marlowe has become synonymous with Denver Nuggets basketball, serving as the team’s television play-by-play announcer since 2004. That’s an impressive 17+ year tenure calling games for the NBA franchise.
His work on Altitude Sports & Entertainment network has made him a beloved figure in Denver. Nuggets fans have grown accustomed to his enthusiastic calls and basketball acumen.
In 2023, his excellence was formally recognized when he was named Colorado Sportscaster of the Year for his work with the Denver Nuggets. This award highlighted his importance to the local sports community.
What makes Marlowe special is his ability to explain complex basketball concepts simply. He maintains excitement during big moments while providing insightful analysis during slower periods of games.
Olympic Telecasts and National Coverage
Marlowe’s broadcasting reach extends far beyond Denver. He has been a fixture of Olympic coverage, working eight consecutive Olympic telecasts. His volleyball expertise made him a natural choice for covering international competitions.
NBC utilized his talents extensively during these global sporting events. His ability to explain international competition formats and rules helped American viewers better understand unfamiliar sports.
Beyond the Olympics, Marlowe has contributed to various national sports networks. His versatility allowed him to cover different sports while maintaining his basketball focus.
The dual role – covering the Nuggets during basketball season and working major international events in the summer – demonstrates his exceptional stamina and broadcasting range. Few announcers successfully maintain both local team identity and national presence throughout their careers.
Notable Television and Film Roles
Before becoming the voice of the Denver Nuggets, Chris Marlowe enjoyed a brief but noteworthy acting career with appearances on several popular television shows in the early 1980s.
Acting Career Highlights
While basketball fans know him as the longtime Nuggets play-by-play announcer, Marlowe’s entertainment career included several television roles. He appeared as a guest star on the hit ABC series “The Love Boat” and had a role on “Bosom Buddies,” which helped launch Tom Hanks’ career.
Most significantly, Marlowe secured a regular role on “Highcliffe Manor,” a short-lived NBC comedy series that aired in 1979. The gothic horror parody only lasted six episodes but gave Marlowe valuable screen time.
He also appeared on the action series “A Man Called Sloane,” starring Robert Conrad, which ran for a single season in 1979-1980.
These acting experiences likely helped develop the on-camera presence that would later serve him well during his 17+ years with the Nuggets and his work as an NBC Olympics broadcaster.
Personal Life
Chris Marlowe’s life off the microphone reveals an interesting background that extends beyond his broadcasting career with the Denver Nuggets. His family connections and personal achievements have helped shape his unique journey in sports.
Family Background
Away from the basketball court, Chris Marlowe maintains a relatively private family life. He is married and has daughters, though he tends to keep these aspects of his life separated from his public persona.
Before becoming the voice of the Nuggets, Marlowe worked as a bartender while pursuing his Olympic dreams. This unusual career path demonstrates his determination and work ethic.
Marlowe’s family has supported his diverse career moves – from Olympic athlete to broadcaster. His dedication to sports runs deep, with volleyball being his first passion before transitioning to basketball announcing.
Legacy and Influence
Chris Marlowe has cemented his place in sports history through his achievements in volleyball and his enduring presence as the voice of the Denver Nuggets. His multifaceted career spans Olympic glory and nearly two decades of basketball commentary.
Impact on Volleyball and Broadcasting
Marlowe’s influence in volleyball remains significant decades after his playing days. As captain of the 1984 U.S. Olympic volleyball team that captured gold in Los Angeles, he helped elevate the sport’s profile in America. This achievement marked a pivotal moment for volleyball in the United States.
His transition to broadcasting brought a unique perspective to the booth. Marlowe has been the television play-by-play voice of the Nuggets for 17 years on Altitude, building a distinctive connection with Colorado basketball fans.
His recognizable voice and analytical approach have influenced a generation of sports broadcasters. Many colleagues cite his ability to balance technical knowledge with accessible commentary as a model for effective sports communication.
Recognition and Awards
Marlowe’s exceptional career has earned him numerous accolades across multiple fields. His induction into the San Diego State Aztec Hall of Fame honors his collegiate volleyball excellence and lasting impact on the university’s athletic program.
His broadcasting talent has garnered industry respect, with regional Emmy considerations for his work covering the Nuggets. The longevity of his announcing career – 18 seasons with Denver – speaks to his consistent excellence and audience connection.
| Marlowe’s Career Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Olympic Medals | 1 Gold (1984) |
| NBA Seasons (Nuggets) | 18 |
| Olympic Broadcasts | 8 consecutive |
| College Hall of Fame | San Diego State |
Beyond formal awards, Marlowe’s greatest recognition may be his status as the authentic voice of Nuggets basketball during the franchise’s most successful modern era.
Connections with Athletes and Broadcasting Peers
Chris Marlowe’s career has been defined by meaningful relationships with athletes and fellow broadcasters. His unique background as an Olympic gold medalist has given him special insight when working with sports legends across volleyball and basketball.
Collaboration with Karch Kiraly
Marlowe’s connection with volleyball legend Karch Kiraly has been one of the most significant partnerships in Olympic broadcasting. The two first worked together during NBC’s beach volleyball coverage. Marlowe handled play-by-play, and Kiraly provided expert analysis.
Their chemistry stems from mutual respect. Marlowe’s Olympic gold medal in indoor volleyball (1984) and Kiraly’s three Olympic golds (two indoor, one beach) created a foundation of shared experience that translates to viewers.
“Working with Karch is like having a volleyball encyclopedia sitting next to you,” Marlowe once noted. Their partnership has spanned seven Olympic Games, making them one of the longest-running broadcasting duos in Olympic volleyball history.
Working Alongside Bill Walton
Marlowe’s basketball broadcasting career has featured several notable partnerships, including work with NBA legend Bill Walton. Their contrasting styles—Marlowe’s precise play-by-play against Walton’s colorful commentary—created engaging broadcasts.
Before joining the Nuggets, Marlowe worked regional Pac-10 basketball broadcasts with Walton, who appreciated Marlowe’s volleyball background and Olympic pedigree.
Unlike many announcers, Walton and other analysts respected Marlowe for not relying heavily on color commentators to understand sports minutiae.
Through his Nuggets work, Marlowe has developed strong relationships with stars like Nikola Jokić and previously Carmelo Anthony, often earning praise for his balanced approach to local broadcasting.
Involvement in Other Sports
Chris Marlowe’s career extends far beyond basketball commentary. His extensive experience spans multiple sports at the highest levels of competition, drawing on his own athletic background and broadcasting expertise.
Diverse Commentating Portfolio
Marlowe has built an impressive resume calling play-by-play for a remarkable variety of sports throughout his career. While Denver Nuggets fans know him as their TV voice, Marlowe has called action for football, soccer, volleyball, boxing, swimming, diving, and water polo.
His volleyball connection runs especially deep. Marlowe isn’t just a commentator but a former Olympic gold medalist in the sport (1984). During NBA off-seasons, he splits his time between Nuggets duties and volleyball broadcasting.
NBC regularly taps Marlowe for Olympic coverage, where his versatility shines. Unlike many Olympic broadcasters, he doesn’t heavily rely on color commentators to explain unfamiliar sports. His personal athletic experience gives him unique insights into Olympic competitions.
In 2023, Marlowe was named Colorado Sportscaster of the Year for his work with the Denver Nuggets, cementing his reputation as one of the most versatile voices in sports broadcasting.
Concluding Remarks
Chris Marlowe has become a true staple for the Denver Nuggets franchise. His unique journey from Olympic gold medalist to NBA announcer shows his remarkable versatility.
What stands out about Marlowe is his longevity with the team. As the play-by-play voice of the Nuggets, he’s brought energy and expertise to Colorado basketball for years, developing a special connection with fans.
His partnership with analyst Scott Hastings has created memorable moments. They include their enthusiastic call of Jamal Murray’s buzzer-beater, which delighted fans across Colorado Sports platforms.
The California native splits his professional life between two passions. During the NBA season, he’s courtside with the Nuggets. Meanwhile, summers find him calling volleyball events, reflecting his own Olympic background.
Marlowe’s broadcasting style combines deep basketball knowledge with the perfect touch of excitement during key moments. This balance has made him an enduring presence in Denver sports media.
His unique journey from bartender to Olympic champion to announcer showcases his adaptability and talent. Few sports broadcasters can claim such a diverse and accomplished background.
For Nuggets fans, Marlowe’s voice has become synonymous with the team’s identity through rebuilding years and championship contention alike.
