It’s the end of an era for Iowa football with longtime analyst Ed Podolak announcing his departure from the Hawkeyes’ gameday radio booth.
According to a release, Podolak will remain with the Hawkeye Radio Network, contributing to its pregame shows and podcasts.
“I have decided that this is a good time for me to step back from my role as color commentator for the Hawkeye football radio broadcasts,” Podolak said in a statement. “I believe there is no greater honor than to be part of the Iowa Hawkeye Football team. I have loved watching these young men and coaches compete for the past 42 years. Sharing my perspective for the incredible Hawkeye fans from coast to coast has been a thrill.
“I look forward to my new role this fall, providing analysis during the pregame shows and on podcasts.”
A former quarterback-turned-star running back, Podolak earned All-Big Ten honors while playing for the Hawkeyes in 1968 before enjoying a nine-year career with the Kansas City Chiefs. After calling NFL games for NBC and college football games for ESPN, he joined the Iowa broadcast booth in 1982 and has called nearly 500 games over the course of the past 42 seasons.
“I have said it often across 27 years that Ed Podolak is the best I’ve ever worked with in the broadcast booth,” Iowa play by play voice Gary Dolphin said. “One of the game’s great competitors, Ed’s ability to explain plays was unparalleled. Football mentalities of all ages understood and enjoyed the humor each Saturday. I look forward to Eddie’s continued involvement on game day.”
Added longtime Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz: “Ed Podolak has had an incredible impact on Hawkeye fans for 40 years. He was one of the greatest college football players of his era, leaving his mark all over the Big Ten record books. He followed that with an outstanding professional career in Kansas City. And since his retirement from football, he has been the voice that Iowa fans have counted on for decades. Knowledgeable and passionate – always entertaining the fans across our state and across the country. There will never be another Ed Podolak. I hope Hawkeye fans will join all of us in wishing Ed the very best as he steps away from the broadcast booth.”
According to a release, Hawkeye Sports Properties, in conjunction with the UI Athletics Department, will oversee the search for Podolak’s replacement.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.