CBS to swap out Ernie Johnson for former NFL player for much of NCAA Tournament coverage

Ernie Johnson is one of the classic voices of basketball. Heck, he's one of the classic voices in sports coverage. 

Johnson, 69, had been a staple as a studio host for "Inside the NBA" on TNT, and he's been doing the same for ESPN since the four-letter network earned rights to NBA coverage. He works effortlessly alongside Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal. 

The NBA is Johnson's cup of tea, but he has also covered the PGA Tour, NFL, Olympics, World Cup and other notable sporting events. 

He's also one of the voices we hear every March during the NCAA Tournament, though it has come out that Johnson is going to have an abridged role in CBS's coverage of March Madness this spring.

Johnson will still be involved, but he's not going to join the studio coverage of March Madness until the Final Four. 

Former NFL wide receiver-turned-television personality Nate Burleson will fill his spot in the meantime.

Nate Burleson to fill in for Earnie Johnson during CBS's March Madness coverage

“Of course I’m ready, man,” Burleson said on CBS Mornings regarding the chance to fill in for the broadcasting icon. “Listen, shoutout to Ernie, the legend. I’ll just be keeping his seat warm. He’s going to return for the Final Four.”