Eli Gold, beloved voice of Alabama Football, announces cancer diagnosis

A familiar voice was missing from Alabama football games and the “Hey Coach” radio show this year as Eli Gold missed the season due to health issues.

Crimson Tide fans received a new update Friday when the 69-year-old Gold released a statement announcing he has been diagnosed with a “treatable form of cancer” and expressed his desire to get back to work.

Longtime sideline reporter and Alabama basketball play-by-play announcer Chris Stewart filled in for Gold this football season, calling Crimson Tide games on the radio and hosting Nick Saban’s radio show in his place.

“I want to thank everyone for their well wishes and prayers,” Gold said in a statement through the Crimson Tide Sports Network. “After extensive testing, I have now been diagnosed of a treatable form of cancer. I’m already making progress and hope to get back behind the mic again soon. Roll Tide!”

Stewart honored Gold during the first broadcast of the season. After Alabama scored their first touchdown, Stewart said “we miss you Eli” before shouting his signature “touchdown, Alabama!” He also started each weekly installment of “Hey Coach and The Nick Saban Show” by saying he was filling in for Gold.

On top of calling Crimson Tide games, Gold also hosted NASCAR Live on the Motor Racing Network from 1982 to 2016.

In a recent interview with the Tuscaloosa News, Gold said he wanted to be back behind the microphone during the Iron Bowl between Alabama and Auburn. However, he didn’t have enough energy to get through an entire game and said he didn’t want to rush his way back to work.

“I’m taking my time,” Gold told Nick Kelly in November. “I don’t want to have to show up and have to leave at halftime. I don’t want to show up and have people say, ‘jeez, Eli is struggling.’ I just wanted to show up when I’m ready and do the game.”