After 30 seasons working as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ radio announcer, Bill Hillgrove announced on Thursday that he will be stepping down from the position.
“It was not an easy decision,” Hillgrove said, via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “The more it was discussed, especially with the family, it became easier. When it’s time, it’s time.”
This is not a full retirement from radio, though, as the 83-year-old still intends on calling at least one more season of Pitt football and basketball, a job he’s been doing for almost 51 years.
Hillgrove’s voice has resonated with Steelers fans since 1994. He notably called the two Steelers’ Super Bowl wins since then—Super Bowl XL and Super Bowl XLIII.
“Bill Hillgrove's contributions to both the Steelers Radio Network and the Steelers organization have spanned nearly three decades that included him serving as our play-by-play announcer for four Super Bowl appearances and countless other memorable games during his tenure,” Steelers president Art Rooney II said in the team’s press release. “Bill will truly be missed by Steelers Nation, but we are excited for him and his family to enjoy his retirement.”
No one has been named as Hillgrove’s replacement yet.
The Steelers posted a montage of some of Hillgrove’s most famous calls during his time with the team. Take a look below.
Some of the best calls from Bill Hillgrove's 30 seasons as the "Voice of the Steelers" 🎙️
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) February 29, 2024
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