After missing the 2022 Alabama football season due to health challenges, Eli Gold plans to return to the school’s radio booth in 2023.
During an interview with The Opening Kickoff on 105.5 WNSP, Gold admitted that he has lost 148 pounds while spending 186 days in hospitals and nursing homes after being diagnosed with cancer on Christmas Eve last year. He shared that his final chemotherapy treatment is scheduled for next Friday.
“Lord willing, and the creek don’t rise, I am planning to be back in time for the start of the regular season,” Gold said.
“I may show up with a walker, and if that’s the case, big darn deal,” he said. “There’s tons of people that use walkers in this world. If I can get by with a cane, I’ll do that. Whatever it is.”
Gold said he experienced a situation where he went to bed with no issues last year, but woke up and had no usage of either of his legs. He spent time at UAB Hospital, where doctors couldn’t nail down what his medical issues were. He ultimately discovered he had cancer after a persistent case of hiccups.
He continued by saying that doctors have been pleased with his recovery, and he looks forward to rejoining the Crimson Tide radio booth, where he’s served as the lead voice since 1988.
“It’s not been easy. It’s not been simple, by any stretch,” Gold said, admitting that there were times his wife was told by doctors he might not survive until the next day. “But I do have just one more chemotherapy session to go, and the doctors are really pleased, everybody is excited and if the doctors are pleased, then I’m pleased. I feel wonderful.”
Chris Stewart, the regular voice of Alabama basketball and baseball, filled in for Eli Gold on football games last season. He will be back in the booth this week for Alabama’s spring game.
