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Brian Wheeler, who was the radio play-by-play voice of the Portland Trail Blazers for more than 20 seasons has died at the age of 62. According to several reports, Wheeler had to step away from calling Trail Blazers games in 2019 due to health complications which never subsided.
Wheeler called more than 1,800 games for the Trail Blazers and prior to 2013 called over 1,300 consecutive games, however, was forced to take several leaves of absence in his final seasons for medical reasons.
Kerry Eggers, longtime Portland sports media member, posted the news on his X account saying, “Sorry to hear of the passing of Brian Wheeler, the radio voice of the Trail Blazers for 21 years (1998-2019). Brian had been in failing health for some time. He had a booming voice and a good heart. R.I.P. Wheels.”
Wheeler and the team had announced in July of 2019 that he would not return for the following season. At the time, Wheeler said, “I want to thank the Portland Trail Blazers for the incredible opportunity and honor of calling radio play-by-play for the past 21 years. I was honored and blessed to be a Blazer for 21 seasons, and fortunately I’ve accumulated some precious memories that will last a lifetime.”
Seattle sports talker Mitch Levy wrote about Wheeler’s passing on social media saying, “I just received truly heartbreaking news. My friend Brian Wheeler passed away this morning in Portland. Wheels overcame the worst upbringing possible and blossomed into 1 of the best radio voices in the NBA with the Portland Trail Blazers. But so much more importantly, as kind and gentle a soul that you’ll ever find. I was with him just a couple weeks ago and we were laughing non stop. As I left his room – he said “Love ya Mitch Levy”.”
