I am sure you are all aware of the sad news that has been shared recently. Bill Hillgrove, the famed and much-loved voice of the Pittsburgh Steelers, has announced his retirement from the NFL after 30 wonderful years in the commentary box.
Club President Art Rooney II delivered the news on Thursday, 29th February, stating that Bill “played a major role in broadcasting to our amazing fans on our radio network, but he also found time to be part of so many special events since he began working alongside the great Myron Cope on the airwaves in 1994”.
Hillgrove’s departure comes as a bit of a shock, although it is hardly surprising, given his long career, that he wants to call it a day. Few people, from NFL specialists to Canada sports betting sites, would have expected this news. Nevertheless, our great Steelers Radio Network will have a different voice come the start of next season.
A graduate of Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, our local lad studied sports broadcasting at Duquesne University. After bouncing between announcement and broadcasting jobs, he joined the Steelers Radio Network in 1994 and left the TV broadcasting industry. The rest, as they say, is history.
Bill has been the Steelers’ play-by-play announcer for the best part of three decades. His presence has been a staple of our club, and his work has been nothing short of magnificent. So, what does the next phase of life hold for him?
“As to the next chapter of my life, I’ll do Pitt football, and I’ll do Pitt basketball because my brother is the engineer, and we room together on the road,” Hillgrove remarked. Naturally, he cannot stray too far from his beloved Pittsburgh teams, and frankly, I am happy to see him keep his presence in local sports.
Hillgrove’s retirement is bittersweet. We thank him hugely for his service, but we will be sad to see him go. And ever since the announcement by Art Rooney II, Steelers fans have been left wondering who could possibly replace him. The man has done so much for our club over the years, becoming one of the most recognizable voices in the NFL.
I think Mr. Rooney summed it up best when he said, “Bill will truly be missed by Steelers Nation, but we are excited for him and his family to enjoy his retirement.” We wish you all the best for your future, Hillgrove. You were and will forever be at the heart of this team.
