Nick Saban joins the Alabama family in praying for Eli Gold.

Gold, who has been Alabama’s radio play-by-play announcer since 1988, revealed Friday that he has been diagnosed with cancer. Gold did not share many details, but said he is already making progress while dealing with a treatable form of cancer.

Alabama released a statement from Saban on Saturday:

“Eli Gold has been an important part of the game day traditions at the University of Alabama for over 30 years. 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.”

The long-time broadcaster hopes to return to calling UA games after missing the 2022 season. Gold’s 2022 absence was described as an orthopedic issue and not an illness. He previously set the A-Day spring game (April 22) as a target return date.