Eli Gold, the long-time voice of Alabama Crimson Tide football, has experienced a challenging few years marked by health issues and career changes. This article delves into Gold's recent health battles, his inspiring weight loss journey, and the circumstances surrounding his departure from the Alabama broadcast booth.
A Voice Synonymous with Alabama Football
For over three decades, Eli Gold's voice has been inextricably linked to Alabama Crimson Tide football. Since 1988, he has painted vivid pictures of the action on the field for fans across the state, calling seven national titles, 11 SEC championships, and 35 bowl games. His broadcasts have resonated with listeners, making him a beloved figure in Alabama football lore.
Health Battles and the Road to Recovery
In recent years, Gold has faced significant health challenges. In 2020, a COVID-19 infection broke his streak of calling 409 consecutive Alabama football games. Despite undergoing two shoulder surgeries that same year following a car accident, he continued to broadcast.
However, more serious health issues emerged in 2022. Gold announced he would miss the season to address unspecified health concerns, later revealing that he needed to lose weight and relearn how to walk. He spent a considerable amount of time in hospitals and underwent various tests, but doctors initially struggled to pinpoint the underlying cause of his condition.
"My legs stopped working way back over a year ago," he said. "I woke up one morning, and my legs wouldn’t work. I mean, I went to bed - I was walking, I walk into the bedroom."
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During this period, Gold experienced a dramatic weight loss of 140 pounds due to a lack of appetite and difficulty keeping food down. His wife, Claudette, recalled the doctors' concerns about his survival, emphasizing the severity of his condition.
In December 2022, Gold received a cancer diagnosis after experiencing persistent hiccups and difficulty breathing. Doctors discovered a malignant growth in his esophagus, which was later identified as lymphoma. The steroids and other treatments he had been receiving to regain the use of his legs had masked the underlying issue.
Despite the challenges, Gold remained determined to fight the disease. He began chemotherapy treatments on New Year's Eve 2022 and faced numerous complications, including a severe allergic reaction to antibiotics.
After months of grueling treatment, Gold finally rang the bell on April 21, 2023, signifying the end of his cancer treatment. His resilience and determination inspired fans and colleagues alike.
Weight Loss and Improved Health
As part of his recovery, Gold embarked on a weight loss journey. In September 2022, he revealed that he needed to lose weight to alleviate stress on his legs. By the time he returned to the booth in 2023, he had lost a significant amount of weight and appeared healthier than before.
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In August 2023, Gold mentioned that he had lost 100 pounds. "It’s not the way you want to lose 100 pounds but it had to be done," Gold said. With less weight to carry around, Gold experienced less stress on his legs.
Departure from Alabama and Future Plans
Despite his improved health and desire to continue broadcasting, Gold's tenure as the voice of Alabama football came to an end in early 2024.
News of Alabama firing Gold, 70, broke Wednesday. Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne and Crimson Tide Sports Marketing general manager Jim Carabin met with Gold last week via video, according to Bama 247 writer Mike Rodak. Alabama tried to get Gold to announce he was retiring.
Gold, however, refused to retire, stating that the university had chosen to go in a different direction. He expressed his disagreement with the decision but refrained from lashing out at the university.
"I am not retiring," Gold told various Alabama media outlets Wednesday and Thursday. "The university has chosen, as they say, ‘to go in a different direction.’ And that's certainly their right."
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According to Gold, university officials told him that he was not "living up to the standard" and that he had "lost a step, or two, or three" since returning from his health issues. Gold disputed this assessment, asserting that he would have stepped down if he felt he was not performing adequately.
"They said I wasn't living up to the standard," Gold told Bama 247. "That's very subjective. There was an indication that I had lost a step, or two, or three, while I was gone battling cancer. And I've come back and I didn't do the job that I should have. I don't necessarily agree. If I felt that I was not doing the job, I would have stepped down. I was not going to embarrass myself or the university. I care too much for those entities."
Chris Stewart, who had filled in for Gold during his absence, was named as his full-time replacement.
Despite the circumstances of his departure, Gold expressed his gratitude for his time with Alabama and his appreciation for the fans. He also indicated his intention to continue his broadcasting career.
Gold plans on continuing his broadcasting career and will soon make an announcement about his future "in what I hope will be a number of jobs."
A Legacy of Excellence
Eli Gold's departure marks the end of an era for Alabama football. His voice has been the soundtrack to countless memorable moments, and his passion for the game has resonated with generations of fans. While his tenure with the Crimson Tide may have concluded, his legacy as one of the most iconic voices in college football history remains secure.
His contributions were acknowledged by former Alabama coach Nick Saban, who called Gold after the news broke.
Gold said Saban called him on Wednesday about the news. "He was wonderful on the phone," Gold said.
Gold's ability to connect with fans and convey the excitement of the game made him a beloved figure in Alabama.
"I'm going to miss the fans," he said. "If they're going to miss me, I appreciate that."