Longtime Buffalo Bills play-by-play announcer retires after legendary career

His voice has long been a voice of comfort to Buffalo Bills fans, a soothing and recognizable register associated with Bills football and Buffalo sports as a whole.

It’s also one that will soon – officially – leave the airwaves. Longtime Buffalo radio anchor John Murphy announced he is “stepping away” from his role, leaving the position he held for 19 consecutive seasons from 2019 to 2022. The Bills announced the departure of Murphy on their official website, including a statement from team owner Terry Pegula.

“John’s love and enthusiasm for the Bills and Western New York has been evident for over 30 years in the booth,” Pegula said. “We will all miss his big calls and his passion as a play-by-play announcer. We continue to wish him and his family all the best during his recovery and hope that he can continue to be a part of our organization in the future.

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Current Bills general manager Brandon Beane also released a statement on the team’s website, saying, “You will always be a Buffalo legend and great in the community and great with the Buffalo Bills.” » Head coach Sean McDermott also congratulated the broadcaster on his “tremendous” career.

Murphy left the booth during the 2022 NFL season after suffering a stroke late in the year, since making a significant recovery. He also hosted the team’s official daily radio show; he was replaced by staff reporter Chris Brown in the show’s play-by-play and hosting duties.

Buffalo residents know Murphy for more than just his Bills-adjacent work, as he was previously the sports director for local news stations WKBW and WIVB. He was inducted into the Buffalo Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame in 2019.