Eli Gold has been the voice of Alabama football since 1988. He’s covered 7 Alabama national championships, including all 6 of the Nick Saban era.

But, as the Tide prepare for what could be Saban’s seventh title run in Tuscaloosa, Gold won’t be behind the mic, at least for the start of the season.

Per a release from the school on Wednesday morning, Gold will be sidelined early in the 2022 campaign for health issues:

Per the release, a familiar voice will fill in for Gold during his absence:

Chris Stewart, who anchors the Tide’s football broadcast and handles play-by-play duties for the Alabama basketball and baseball teams, will fill in for Gold in his absence.

Stewart will also take over the hosting duties for “The Nick Saban Show” and “Hey, Coach” radio broadcasts when it returns on Thursday, August 18.

Hopefully, Gold is able to resume his broadcast position sooner rather than later. His voice is synonymous with Alabama football.