**Tuscaloosa, AL – Legendary Broadcaster Eli Gold Wins ESPN National Award for Excellence in Sports Broadcasting and SEC Lifetime Achievement Honor

Few voices in college football are as instantly recognizable and revered as that of Eli Gold, the longtime voice of the Alabama Crimson Tide. Gold, who has narrated some of the most iconic moments in Alabama football history, recently added two more accolades to his decorated career. The beloved broadcaster was honored with the ESPN National Award for Excellence in Sports Broadcasting and the Southeastern Conference’s Lifetime Achievement Award—cementing his legacy as one of the most respected voices in American sports.

The dual honors are a testament to a career that has spanned over five decades, shaped the identity of Alabama football on the airwaves, and resonated with generations of fans across the nation.

Eli Gold began calling Alabama football games in 1988, taking over the radio booth at a time when the Crimson Tide program was undergoing significant change. Over the next 35 years, he would become synonymous with Alabama football, narrating everything from Bear Bryant’s lingering legacy to the rise of Nick Saban’s dynasty.

His deep, deliberate tone carried passion and precision. Gold’s calls have become part of the folklore of Alabama sports. Whether it was proclaiming a thrilling game-winning touchdown or expressing shock during an unforeseen upset, his voice mirrored the emotions of an entire fanbase.

Perhaps most memorably, Gold’s voice carried the sound of championship glory to millions of listeners as Alabama rolled through six national titles under Saban. Fans still recall with chills his calls during the Tide’s miraculous win over Georgia in the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship, when Tua Tagovailoa connected with DeVonta Smith for the walk-off touchdown in overtime.

“Touchdown Alabama! Tua to DeVonta Smith! The Crimson Tide will not be denied!” Gold exclaimed—his words seared into the minds of Alabama fans forever.

In 2022, Gold faced one of the toughest battles of his life. A serious illness sidelined him from the broadcast booth for the entire season. During that time, the outpouring of love and support from Alabama fans, former players, and coaching staff was overwhelming.

Gold, never one to seek attention, used the moment to remind others of the importance of health, resilience, and perspective. In his return to the microphone in 2023, Gold was welcomed back with thunderous applause inside Bryant-Denny Stadium. “Welcome back, Eli!” signs dotted the crowd. It was clear he had not just been missed—he had been cherished.

During a pregame segment, Gold became emotional as he thanked fans and the Alabama community for their unwavering support. “You never truly realize the depth of connection you have with people until you’re in a time of need. Crimson Tide fans lifted me up in ways I can never repay,” he said.

The ESPN National Award for Excellence in Sports Broadcasting is not handed out lightly. It is reserved for those who have demonstrated sustained excellence, innovation, and impact in the realm of sports media.

Gold was presented the award in a ceremony held in Bristol, Connecticut, where sports media legends past and present gathered to celebrate his contributions. In his acceptance speech, Gold remained humble.

“I never set out to win awards. I just wanted to bring the game to people who couldn’t be in the stands. That’s always been my mission,” he said. “To be recognized like this by ESPN, the industry leader in sports, is truly an honor I will never forget.”

The award recognizes not just his longevity but his adaptability. Over the years, Gold evolved with changing technology, formats, and fan expectations, all while maintaining the warmth and authenticity that endeared him to listeners.

Soon after the ESPN recognition, the SEC announced that Gold would receive its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award—an honor typically reserved for players, coaches, and administrators. It marked a rare but deserving tribute to a broadcaster who, in many ways, became an integral figure within the conference.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey praised Gold during the announcement: “Eli Gold has been the voice of not just Alabama football, but SEC football. His storytelling, professionalism, and love for the game exemplify the spirit of this conference. We are proud to recognize his contributions with this lifetime achievement honor.”

The award ceremony was held during the SEC Spring Meetings in Destin, Florida. In a room full of athletic directors, coaches, and media members, Gold was again met with a standing ovation.

“This league has meant the world to me,” Gold said during his acceptance speech. “I’ve had a front-row seat to watch some of the greatest athletes and coaches in sports history. It’s been the ride of a lifetime.”

Throughout his career, Gold’s resume has included far more than just Alabama football. He began his broadcasting career calling hockey games, including work with the Birmingham Bulls of the World Hockey Association and later with the Nashville Predators. He’s also done NASCAR broadcasts, lending his voice to Motor Racing Network (MRN), and various other college and professional sports.

Still, it is his work with Alabama football that has defined his career. Gold has called over 400 Crimson Tide games, including SEC Championship victories, Iron Bowl thrillers, and national championship triumphs. His consistency and dedication have been unparalleled.

In 2014, Gold was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. He’s also a member of the University of Alabama College of Communication and Information Sciences Hall of Fame, reflecting his impact not only in sports but also in shaping the next generation of broadcasters.

Following the announcement of his two latest honors, tributes poured in from across the Alabama community.

Nick Saban, who shared countless Saturdays with Gold, offered high praise: “Eli has been a steady presence for Alabama fans for decades. He brings professionalism, class, and genuine care for this program. These awards are well-deserved.”

Former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy, now a respected analyst with ESPN and SEC Network, called Gold “the gold standard of college football broadcasting.”

Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne also weighed in: “Eli Gold has been the voice of our most cherished moments. He’s not just a broadcaster—he’s family.”

What sets Eli Gold apart isn’t just the sound of his voice, but the sense of connection he fosters. Gold has always seen himself as a conduit between the game and the fans. In the pre-digital era, his voice was the only link many had to Alabama football. On fall Saturdays, his broadcasts weren’t just listened to—they were experiences shared in living rooms, tailgates, and deer camps across the South.

Gold’s ability to balance professionalism with warmth, accuracy with emotion, and tradition with innovation has kept him relevant for more than 50 years. While many broadcasters age out or move on, Gold has remained a consistent presence. Fans grew up listening to him, raised children who listened to him, and now watch grandkids react to his signature touchdown calls.

Though he has earned the right to retire on a high note, Gold has made it clear he isn’t finished just yet. “As long as I have my health, my voice, and a passion for the game, I’ll keep doing what I love,” he told reporters after receiving the ESPN honor.

His current contract with Alabama Sports Network allows him to continue for at least one more season, and insiders believe he’ll likely stay through the end of Nick Saban’s tenure—whenever that may be.

In the meantime, Gold has hinted at writing a second memoir and possibly teaching aspiring broadcasters. “There’s a whole new generation out there that loves this craft,” he said. “If I can help them find their voice, then I’m paying it forward.”

Eli Gold’s recent honors—both from ESPN and the SEC—are more than career milestones; they are affirmations of a lifetime spent elevating the sports he loved and the communities that embraced him. In an era of constant change and fleeting fame, Gold represents something increasingly rare: consistency, authenticity, and grace.

For the Alabama faithful, Eli Gold is more than just a broadcaster—he is the voice of memory, victory, heartbreak, and tradition. His signature phrases echo across time, anchoring the identity of a program that prides itself on excellence.

As fans look ahead to another season of Alabama football, they can take comfort in one thing: Eli Gold will be right there with them, microphone in hand, ready to tell the next great chapter in Crimson Tide history.