Legendary Steelers Commentator Bill Hillgrove Announced His Retirement

The voice of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bill Hillgrove, is one that is immediately recognizable to any fan. Hillgrove has been calling the play-by-play action for Pittsburgh for three decades. Hillgrove, who is 83, has an upbeat personality and a voice that was made for sports broadcasting. He won fans over with his exuberant personality, his genuine excitement, and his quippy descriptions. He has been there for the Steelers and the University of Pittsburgh Panthers, football and basketball, through good times and bad. He announced his retirement on 102.5 WDVE-FM, which is the flagship station of the Steelers Radio Network.  

He was hand-picked by late owner Dan Rooney to replace the late Jack Fleming as the play-by-play commentator in 1994. Hillgrove has said he hasn't even applied, but got the job because Fleming was his friend. He joined the late Myron Cope and history was made. In addition to working with the legendary Cope, Hillgrove has partnered with some former players like Merril Hoge, Tunch Ilkin, Craig Wolfley, and Max Starks.  

Steelers Plays Were Brought To Life By Bill Hillgrove

The minute the retirement was announced, well-wishes began flooding social media. Everyone from Hillgrove's grandson Jack Hillgrove, who is a sports anchor and reporter for WTOV9, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin, former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, and nearly every Pittsburgh radio personality and sports media member. 

Sideline reporter Missi Matthews spoke of the "pinch me" moments she got to have over the years when she was able to work with Hillgrove. So many fans shared memories and photos of Hillgrove and spoke about how kind he was and generous with his time. Hillgrove is so embedded in Pittsburgh sports culture that lots of people commented that they couldn't remember life without Hillgrove on the mic. Even Steelers President Art Rooney II issued a statement. 

"Bill Hargrove's contributions to both the Steelers Radio Network and the Steelers organization have spanned nearly three decades that included him serving as out play-by-play announcer for four Super Bowl appearances and countless other memorable games during his tenure. He has played a major role in broadcasting to our amazing fans on our radio network, but he has also found time to be a part of so many special events since he began working alongside the great Myron Cope on the airwaves in 1994. Bill will truly be missed by Steelers Nation, but we are excited for him and his family to enjoy his retirement," said Rooney.

Hillgrove will continue as the voice of the Panthers' football and basketball teams for at least one more season, making it his 51st. In all of the memories that were shared about Hillgrove on X, so many were of the plays he called. 

Some of the legendary plays that Hillgrove is most remembered for are running back Willie Parker's 75-yard touchdown in Super Bowl XL against the Seattle Seahawks and Santonio Holmes' incredible toe-tap touchdown in Super Bowl XLIII against the Arizona Cardinals. 

Some of the best calls from Bill Hillgrove's 30 seasons as the "Voice of the Steelers" 🎙️

More on https://t.co/XL7UQscxtd pic.twitter.com/QXSnO6SqkM

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) February 29, 2024

Hillgrove tragically endured a number of his broadcasting partners passing on over the years. Every time one was lost, Hillgrove was there to honor and commemorate their work and grieve with the city. That includes Cope and Ilkin for his work with the Steelers, his co-worker Stan Savran from WTAE-TV in 2023.   

When Hillgrove was done announcing his retirement WDVE immediately played Renegade by Styx. It seems so appropriate because oh mama, the city of Pittsburgh is sure gonna miss you. 

Best wishes to Hillgrove and his family on his retirement, enjoy every moment!

#SteelerNation