Rob King Hired as Steelers New Play-By-Play Broadcaster
Veteran Pittsburgh television personality Rob King has been hired as the Steelers new play-by-play broadcaster.w
In a significant change in the Pittsburgh Steelers history book, Rob King is set to take over as the team’s play-by-play broadcaster, succeeding the legendary Bill Hillgrove, who retired from his role with the team at the end of the 2023 season. King was announced as the club’s new play-by-play man during in an appearance on the WDVE Morning Show on Thursday.
“We are very excited to announce Rob King will be the new play-by-play broadcaster for the Steelers beginning this season after the retirement of long-time broadcaster, Bill Hillgrove, earlier this year,” Steelers president Art Rooney II said in a press release.” Rob has done a great job in his 25-year career in the Pittsburgh market and is very respected among his peers in the business. We are excited for Steelers Nation to hear his unique perspective and excitement of making our fans feel they are in the stadium witnessing the action on the field. He has big shoes to fill with the legendary broadcasters that have come before him, but we are thrilled to have Rob step into his new role to bring Steelers football to our fans across the world.”
Hillgrove, a beloved figure in Pittsburgh sports broadcasting, retired this past February after being the voice of the Steelers since 1994. His tenure has spanned some of the most memorable moments in the team’s history, including Super Bowl XL and Super Bowl XLIII victories. Hillgrove’s deep, resonant voice and unparalleled ability to capture the excitement of the game have made him a household name among Steelers fans and the Pittsburgh community. His departure leaves big shoes to fill, and his contributions to the franchise will forever be remembered.
King, a native of Cooperstown, New York, is a 1983 graduate of Washington University in St. Louis. After graduating from Washington University, King spent more than two years as a reporter at KPLR-TV and hosted a radio show in St. Louis. King then made a stop in Syracuse, spending five years there where he was sports director at CBS affiliate WTVH-TV and hosted a radio show on WHEN-AM.
After those stops, King found a home in Pittsburgh with the station now known as AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh in 2000, and has not looked back since. Due to his long tenure in the Steel City, King is no stranger to the city’s sports enthusiasts. With a career that includes extensive work with AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, King has covered a wide range of sports, including both the Pirates and Penguins. His versatility and deep knowledge of the local sports landscape have made him a respected figure in the community, and should allow him to thrive in the Steelers’ booth.
“The Steelers hold a special place in this community and across the country,” King said. “I am thankful to Art Rooney II, the Steelers and iHeartMedia for giving me this incredible opportunity to be a meaningful part of one of the greatest organizations in professional sports. I look forward to getting started, doing the job well and bringing the enthusiasm of the games to people around the world. I could not be more excited.”
Filling the shoes of Hillgrove will be no easy task but the Steelers are and fans should be excited for what King can bring on the air. His experience, talent, and connection to Pittsburgh sports make him a strong candidate to carry on the legacy of excellence in Steelers broadcasting.