National Football Foundation

Born and raised in Western Pennsylvania, Bill Hillgrove's voice has become synonymous with University of Pittsburgh football over the last 37 years.

A graduate of Pittsburgh's Central Catholic High School, Hillgrove went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Duquesne University in 1962. He then attended the U.S. Army Information School before serving as a disc jockey and staff announcer for various radio stations in his hometown during the 60s and 70s.

In 1969, he was hired as Pitt basketball's play-by-play announcer. Impressed with his sports knowledge and broadcasting prowess, the university named Hillgrove color analyst for the football team the following year. By 1974, he became the play-by-play broadcaster for both sports, positions he still holds today. Highly respected throughout his hometown, he was handpicked in 1994 by Pittsburgh Steelers' owner Dan Rooney to replace the retiring Jack Fleming (1999 Schenkel Award winner) as the team's new play-by-play announcer.

Hillgrove has also served as sports director for WTAE-TV and has hosted "Steelers Insider" for the past 13 years. He has received numerous awards during his prolific career and is one of only 10 honorary University of Pittsburgh lettermen. Hillgrove's most memorable day broadcasting was Oct. 23, 1976 - the day 1994 College Football Hall of Famer Tony Dorsett set the all-time NCAA career rushing mark.