Alabama coach Nick Saban issued a statement Saturday about the health of Tide radio play-by-play announcer Eli Gold, who revealed Friday he was diagnosed with cancer.

“Eli Gold has been an important part of the game day traditions at the University of Alabama for over 30 years,” Saban said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Eli and his family as he begins cancer treatments. We are comforted knowing he is getting the best possible care as he works his way back to the Alabama radio booth.”

Gold, who did not call any games during the 2022 season because of health issues, said his form of cancer is “treatable” and he is “already making progress.”

Added Gold: “Hope to get back behind the mic again soon.”

Gold, 69, called the 2020 season despite having surgeries on both of his shoulders. When he announced in September that he would not be able to call games this past season, Gold said he was “not sick” and his absence was related to his orthopedic issues.

Gold said before the Iron Bowl in November that he was re-learning how to walk and hoped to return for Alabama’s A-Day game, which was announced this week for April 22.

The Brooklyn, New York native first began announcing Alabama games on the radio in 1988 and had a streak of 409 consecutive games called ended in 2020 when he tested positive for COVID-19.

Mike Rodak is an Alabama beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @mikerodak.