The football season is only four weeks old, and already Georgia has lost its second gridiron legend of the year.

First, Uga VI passed away and now, in his 43rd season as the legendary radio voice of the Georgia Bulldogs, Larry Munson has walked away.

Beginning last season, Munson only called home games, a clear indication that the legend’s time in the booth was nearing its end, but no one thought that it would be this soon.

“Really? He’s done immediately? That’s tough,” quarterback Matthew Stafford said. “He’s a legend around here and and I’ve been lucky enough to have him call some pretty big moments in my career so far. I hope everything’s alright.”

According to his son Michael, Munson made the decision to step down during the past weekend. Scott Howard and Eric Zeier, who have called road games, will take over the full play calling duties. Loran Smith will remain as the sideline reporter.

“I can’t express enough my deep feelings toward the Georgia football fans,” said Munson, 85, in a statement.

“They have been so friendly especially during this most recent period of time. I feel I owe them so much more than I can give. I’ll remember all the great times with the Dogs and have the fondest wishes and good luck toward them all.”

Part of what made Munson’s calls so beloved was the passion and the partisanship in which he called them.

For the players, they knew him as more than Larry the announcer, they knew him as Larry the man.

“He’s a guy that’s been around a long time and he’s a guy that’s done so much for this program,” senior receiver Mohamed Massaquoi said. “It’s sad to see him go but, he’s meant so much for this program. He’s definitely going to be a guy that’s remembered for doing so many great things. Having had a chance to meet him, he’s a better person than he is an announcer.”

For receiver Kris Durham, just hearing the legendary voice call his name was an honor, even if he didn’t always get it right.

“It’s going to be sad without him. He’s a legend around here,” Durham said. “Growing up I was a Bulldog fan, so all I ever wanted was to hear him call out my name. He’s done it a few times, but every time he does it he always butchers it and calls me Wes Durham, but it’s alright. He’s just a legend.”

In 1994, Munson was inducted into the Georgia Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, and in 2005, he was inducted into the State of Georgia Sports Hall of Fame.

And in a year when the Bulldogs were selected as the pre-season No. 1 team and are legitimate title contenders, some players are disappointed the Munson had to walk away.

“I wish Larry would be calling [the games] but he had an incredible career and I don’t think he can be replaced at Georgia,” said fullback Brannan Southerland. “He’s something special. I think everyone, players, coaches, the Bulldog Nation, knows what he means to Georgia football. I wish he could just make the calls but he had to retire.”