The Alabama football fan base felt shockwaves when they learned longtime play-by-play commenter Eli Gold would no longer be a part of the University of Alabama football radio broadcasts.

“It was not an amicable ending to this relationship,” Gold said on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 the morning after news broke he would no longer serve as the “Voice of the Crimson Tide,” emphasizing he had no plans to retire.

Gold, 70, said he proposed doing one more full season before calling it quits. “They weren’t interested in that. They wanted to make a change now. There were things I wanted to say that they didn’t really want to have out in public.”

As the voice of the Crimson Tide, Gold has provided the soundtrack to the Alabama fan experience, whether you attend games in person and wear a radio set in your ear, or even when you watch from home and switch out the audio for the local broadcast.

Due to health issues, Gold missed the 2022 season, with Crimson Tide Sports Network colleague and basketball play-by-play commentator Chris Stewart filling in. Gold returned in a limited capacity in 2023, calling all home and select road games.

Gold said this week he is “healthy as a horse.”

Fans have since taken to social media to react to the news, including AL.com’s platforms.

“Very sad news out of Alabama & The Crimson Tide Network,” Kendra Stabler, daughter of late Crimson Tide quarterback Ken Stabler, posted on X. “Terrible decision regarding Eli Gold. Mr. Gold, you are a legend and will be extremely missed. Can’t imagine Alabama football without you. Thank you for your dedication and all of the wonderful years you put into Bama.”

Fans spoke up on our AL.com and Alabama Crimson Tide on AL.com Facebook pages, reacting to the UA announcement and to Gold’s own response to the news.

Below are some comments fans made about the news that Alabama would not renew Gold’s contract as Crimson Tide play-by-play announcer, many wishing the longtime broadcaster well after 36 years on the microphone and others lamenting the loss of a legend in the booth.

MORE: Eli Gold’s top 5 favorite calls from his Alabama football career

Well-wishes

James Lynn Burke: “You are all things Alabama you can never be replaced. Thank you for everything you’ve ever done so much appreciated. RTR.”

Shellia Bradley: “Awe This is heartbreaking! He will be so missed. Best wishes Eli!”

Kathy Cavender Harvey: “So glad to know you’re healthy! We’re gonna miss hearing that one-of-a-kind voice that we love!”

Hope Vines: “He is the best. Always loved our team. The other guys have a long way to go to be an Eli.”

Carol Romines: “He IS the voice of Alabama!”

Dawn Marquart Collins: “There will never be another Eli Gold. He will always be the voice of Alabama football and this is just a sad way for his legacy to end. We love you, Eli.”

Paula McClenny Downs: “What in the world! Thank you, Eli, for your wonderful voice and love for Alabama football. Believe me, the fans will miss you! So sad….”

Kayla Blakesley: “Touchdown, Alabama” will never be broadcasted the same!! Thank you, for your wonderful voice and dedication to The Tide!!”

Darrell Redding: “Just as Saban is the GOAT of college coaches, you are most definitely the GOAT of sports announcers! Very heartbreaking news, but all the best to you and your family, Eli!”

Angie Barnett: “God will open new doors for Mr. Gold. Sometimes a door closed becomes a blessing. Well wishes to him.”

Unhappy fans

Sharon Brakefield: “Disagree with this decision.”

Roberta Norris: “This stinks!”

Kellie Tuma Atcheson: “Sad mistake for Bama. Thank you, Mr. Gold. I always enjoyed listening to you.”

Beth Collins Adams: “This absolutely breaks my heart.”

Barbara Godley Daugherty: “A very sad moment for UA and its fans!”

Gwin N Melissa Greathouse: “We think fans should protest this! Let’s get a petition going! We want Eli to stay until it’s his decision to retire.”

Jon Duffell: “Very bad decision. Thank you, sir, for the great play-by-play calls for all these years. Your voice and passion will truly be missed.”

Debbie McCollum: “Not that my opinion matters…but this is NOT RIGHT.”

Jimmy Glisson: “Such a sad way for Eli and Bama to end a wonderful long relationship. My biggest concern is if this is a sign of other changes that effect the traditions that are special to Bama fans and supporters. Best wishes, my friend, RTR.”

Linda Galloway: “Very wrong to treat Eli in this manner. He should have been able to dictate the terms of his leaving. It makes no sense. He has been such an important part of Bama football.”

Sherrie Floyd: “One more season would have been the best and certainly he deserves to be honored in a more respectful way. I am disappointed in the way this was handled.”

Bradley Gray: “Bama nation doesn’t like change. We like loyalty. We appreciate tradition. The University is making a huge mistake here. This will not go over well…”

Malia Boozer: “I’m very sorry for Eli and disappointed in the University. I will miss hearing him.”

Terri Ross: “No disrespect to Chris Stewart, but this is a slap in the face to Eli. He is an icon in the sports announcing world.”

Tyler Richards: “There is no other voice of Alabama Football. This is terrible.”

Happy for Chris Stewart

Teresa Tindle: “Chris is the perfect choice. I’m sure he will miss Eli as much as the rest of us. He will be our new voice of Alabama.”

Doug Kellett: “Great decision. Chris has proven he should be behind the microphone. Congrats to him.”

Chris Kelley: “Eli time had passed. Chris did an amazing job this year, and it’s time to have him full time.”

Eddie Hughes: “Chris does a great job. It was time for Eli to step aside.”

Robin Boutwell: “I love Eli, but it was time. Things can’t go on forever. The only constant is change. Chris is great.”