Ed Podolak who has been the Iowa Hawkeyes football radio analyst for 42 years is taking a step back from the booth and will take on a new role as pregame and podcast analyst. Podolak, a former All-Big Ten selection at Iowa in 1968 who went on to win a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs, has been a part of nearly 500 Hawkeye games as an analyst.
“I have decided that this is a good time for me to step back from my role as color commentator for the Hawkeye football radio broadcasts,” Podolak said in a news release. “I believe there is no greater honor than to be part of the Iowa Hawkeye Football team. I have loved watching these young men and coaches compete for the past 42 years. Sharing my perspective for the incredible Hawkeye fans from coast to coast has been a thrill.”
Prior to joining the Hawkeyes booth in 1982, Podolak was an NFL commentator for NBC and did college football for ESPN.
“I have said it often across 27 years that Ed Podolak is the best I’ve ever worked with in the broadcast booth,” said play by play voice Gary Dolphin. “One of the game’s great competitors, Ed’s ability to explain plays was unparalleled. Football mentalities of all ages understood and enjoyed the humor each Saturday. I look forward to Eddie’s continued involvement on game day.”
To this day, Podolak ranks No. 14 all-time in total offense at Iowa, with just over 4,000 total yards.
Hawkeye Sports Properties, in conjunction with the University of Iowa Athletics Department, will begin a search for Podolak’s replacement this spring.
