The distinct voice of legendary Alabama football play-by-play man Eli Gold will not be heard across radio airwaves for at least the beginning of the 2022 season.
Gold, the long-serving voice of Crimson Tide football, will be sidelined due to health issues.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by Jim Carabin, vice president and general manager of Crimson Tide Sports Marketing. A living legend among the world of collegiate athletics broadcasting, Gold has served as UA’s play-by-play announcer since 1988.
The university announced that Chris Stewart, who is the current anchor of Alabama’s football broadcast and play-by-play man for Crimson Tide basketball and baseball, will take on Gold’s duties while he is sidelined.
According to UA, Stewart will also take over the hosting duties for “The Nick Saban Show” and “Hey, Coach” radio broadcasts.
Gold, an Alabama Sports Hall of Fame inductee, began his sports broadcasting career in 1972 as a weekend sports reporter. Prior to beginning his career with UA, Gold served as an ice hockey and NASCAR announcer.
Auburn University football play-by-play man Andy Burcham took to social media and expressed his well wishes to Gold.
First and foremost I wish Eli Gold a complete and speedy recovery. We'll miss you in the booth this season. @CStewartSports, I wish you the best this season. We'll see you in Tuscaloosa.
— Andy Burcham (@aburcham04) August 3, 2022
The legendary announcer also received an outpouring of support from his media colleagues.
.@AlabamaFTBL play-by-play man Eli Gold will miss at least the first part of this season with health issues, @UofAlabama officials announce.
Chris Stewart will fill in for the time being.
My prayers to Eli, a good man and a good friend.@UA_Athletics
Pic ctsy NFF @WVTM13 pic.twitter.com/lCn7voQZw1— Rick Karle WVTM 13 (@RickKarle) August 3, 2022
Crimson Tide nation is sending prayers to the most significant part of Alabama football.
Eli Gold, long-time voice of the Tide, is battling health issues. He will be sidelined to begin the 2022 season.https://t.co/u6jMDe3N22
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) August 3, 2022
Prayers up for Eli Gold, who has always been available and a gentleman when I asked for time. Likewise, Chris Stewart is a good one and will do a great job.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) August 3, 2022
?? Prayers up for Eli Gold. Crimson Tide Sports Marketing says the voice of Alabama football since 1988 will be sidelined w/health issues to start the @AlabamaFB season and Chris Stewart will handle Eli’s various broadcast duties. #EliGold https://t.co/zXkSygqk8n
— Mike Dubberly GDA (@MikeDubberlyGDA) August 3, 2022
Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.