University of Alabama broadcaster Eli Gold has been named the recipient of the 2019 NFF Chris Schenkel Award The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame announced Thursday.
Presented annually since 1996, the award recognizes individuals who have had long, distinguished careers broadcasting college football with direct ties to a specific university. The award is named in honor of its inaugural recipient Chris Schenkel, the longtime ABC Sports broadcaster who emceed the NFF Annual Awards Dinner for 28 consecutive years from 1968 to 1995.
“Eli Gold has been the iconic ‘Voice of the Crimson Tide’ for more than 30 years, broadcasting some of the most memorable games for one of the most successful football programs in college football history,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “His calls of ‘Touchdown Alabama!’ are a familiar and beloved sound to the Crimson Tide faithful each fall. We are pleased to honor him with the 2019 NFF Chris Schenkel Award in recognition of his distinguished career.”
Gold will enter his 31st season as the “Voice of the Crimson Tide” in 2019, having started his time calling Alabama football games in 1989. He also serves as the play-by-play commentator for Alabama basketball and hosts “Hey Coach & The Nick Saban Show” on the Crimson Tide Sports Network every Thursday during the football season. With Gold on the call, the Crimson Tide have claimed six national titles in eight championship game appearances, nine SEC championships and bowl games in all but four of his 30 seasons.
