R.I.P.: Former Utah Jazz Radio Voice Rod Hundley

Rod Hundley

Rodney "Hot Rod" Hundley died on Friday, more than four years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

He was 80 years old, according to The Deseret News.

“Hot Rod was the voice of the Utah Jazz for 35 years and his voice was synonymous with Jazz radio,” Utah Jazz owner Gail Miller said in a Utah Jazz news release. “The expressions he used throughout the game broadcasts are legendary.

"He had the unique ability to make the game come to life so that you felt as though you could see what was happening on the floor when listening to him call the games. Rod was a very special talent and will be missed by our family as well as Jazz fans everywhere. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Hundley family.”

Hundley was a two-time first-team All-American as a collegiate player at West Virginia, and had a 6-year career with Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers before becoming the New Orleans/Utah Jazz TV and radio broadcaster for the franchise's first 35 years. He retired in 2009 after calling 3,051 games. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's 18 months later.