Tuscaloosa, AL – Legendary broadcaster Eli Gold, the iconic voice of Alabama Crimson Tide football, has etched his name further into the annals of broadcasting history, winning not one, but two prestigious awards: an ESPN National Award for Excellence in Sports Broadcasting and the coveted
In a triumphant moment that underscores a storied career spanning decades, Eli Gold, the legendary voice of Alabama Crimson Tide football, has achieved another milestone. Gold was recently honored with two of the highest accolades in the field of sports broadcasting: the ESPN National Award for Excellence in Sports Broadcasting and the National Sports Media Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. These honors not only celebrate a lifetime of exceptional contributions but also recognize his enduring impact on collegiate sports media and broadcasting at large.
Gold’s unmistakable voice has been the soundtrack of Alabama football for generations. From the roar of Bryant-Denny Stadium to the quiet intensity of a last-second play call, his delivery has always captured the essence of Southern football — passion, tradition, and excellence. Now, with these two distinguished awards, the broadcasting world has emphatically affirmed what Alabama fans have known for years: Eli Gold is a titan of the microphone.
Eli Gold’s journey into broadcasting began humbly, but with an unmistakable passion. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Gold’s voice first resonated not across football fields but hockey rinks. He began his career as a hockey broadcaster, honing his craft and quickly building a reputation for clarity, accuracy, and emotional intelligence. By the 1980s, he had transitioned into motorsports commentary, becoming a mainstay on NASCAR broadcasts. His work on the Motor Racing Network helped bring stock car racing to a national audience and made him a familiar voice in millions of American homes.
However, it was in 1988 when Gold made what would be a life-defining move: he took the helm as the radio voice of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team. Since then, he has called countless iconic moments, national championship victories, Iron Bowl clashes, and unforgettable comebacks. Across nearly four decades, Gold has been the constant — through coaching changes, title runs, and generational shifts in the sport, his voice remained the steady hand on the Crimson Tide’s rudder.
His distinctive Southern cadence, paired with a New York-born storytelling rhythm, created a unique broadcasting style that resonated with fans across the country. Gold had the rare ability to blend emotion with analysis, excitement with insight, and loyalty with objectivity — all traits that earned him the trust and admiration of both listeners and peers.
The ESPN National Award for Excellence in Sports Broadcasting is presented annually to individuals who demonstrate unparalleled skill, professionalism, and influence in sports media. For Eli Gold, receiving this award is both a crowning achievement and a reflection of a body of work that spans multiple sports and generations.
In their award statement, ESPN commended Gold for his “consistent excellence in storytelling, unmatched dedication to collegiate athletics, and his transformative impact on sports broadcasting culture.” The committee emphasized his ability to evolve with the changing media landscape while staying true to the core principles of honest, vivid, and passionate play-by-play narration.
Gold’s acceptance speech was a moment of both gratitude and humility. “I’ve always considered it a privilege — never a job — to bring the game to the fans,” he said. “To be recognized by ESPN, an institution I’ve respected my entire career, is both humbling and thrilling. This award belongs not just to me, but to the generations of players, coaches, and listeners who’ve made the journey worthwhile.”
In addition to the ESPN accolade, Gold received the National Sports Media Association (NSMA) Lifetime Achievement Award, one of the most respected recognitions in American sports journalism. Previous recipients include legendary broadcasters such as Vin Scully, Dick Enberg, and Keith Jackson — a pantheon of voices that have shaped the way Americans experience sports.
The NSMA honored Gold not only for his longevity but for his continued excellence and mentorship. In his 60s and 70s, Gold has remained as sharp, committed, and enthusiastic as ever, mentoring younger broadcasters and encouraging them to embrace the art and ethics of storytelling.
“This award is about legacy,” said NSMA President Dave Goren. “And Eli Gold’s legacy is profound. He brought dignity and excitement to every game he covered. He elevated every moment. And he inspired the next generation to do the same.”
Gold’s impact can be seen clearly in the young broadcasters who cite him as a key influence. His method of painting a picture with words, his signature catchphrases, and his deep respect for the players and fans alike have become instructional tools in sports communication programs across the country.
The honors come not long after Gold’s widely publicized battle with health challenges. In 2022, he was sidelined for the entire football season while undergoing treatment for cancer and recovering from multiple surgeries. For many fans, the absence of his voice in the broadcast booth underscored just how integral he had become to the Crimson Tide experience.
But in 2023, Gold made a triumphant return. In true form, he resumed his role behind the mic with renewed vigor and grace, picking up right where he left off. His comeback became a source of inspiration, not just for sports fans, but for anyone battling adversity.
“I didn’t know if I’d ever call another game,” Gold admitted during his return. “But this was more than just a job. It’s part of who I am. And I wasn’t going to let anything take that away.”
His resilience only deepened the admiration of colleagues and fans alike. And now, with these prestigious honors, his story has grown even richer — one not just of talent, but of endurance, courage, and passion.
While Eli Gold is often associated most closely with Alabama football, his voice has transcended regional boundaries. His work in NASCAR, NFL games, college basketball, and even Olympic events has demonstrated his range. Few broadcasters can claim to have called as many types of sports with such consistency and credibility.
Yet, for all his national presence, Gold has remained deeply rooted in the South — not just physically, but emotionally. His love for the culture, the people, and the history of the region shines through in every broadcast. For many Alabamians, Eli Gold is more than a broadcaster; he is a cherished part of their collective identity.
In the modern media landscape, where digital noise often drowns out authenticity, Eli Gold has been a steady and comforting presence. His voice on a fall Saturday carries not just the game, but the atmosphere, the weight of tradition, and the passion of millions. Fans have tuned in not just to hear the score, but to feel the emotion of the game through Gold’s lens.
From “Touchdown, Alabama!” to heartfelt tributes to players and coaches, Gold’s calls have become timeless. They are replayed in highlight reels, quoted in documentaries, and etched in the memories of those who grew up listening to Alabama football on the radio.
