Buffalo Bills PBP Radio Announcer John Murphy Steps Away

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, May 10, 2024 | 4:13pm CT

John Murphy

Longtime Buffalo Bills play-by-play radio announcer John Murphy will not return to the team's broadcast booth after a 35-year career, marked by his induction into the Buffalo Broadcasters Association's Hall of Fame. Murphy, who started as a color analyst in 1984, has been the voice behind many of the team's historic moments. Unfortunately, after suffering a stroke late in the 2022 season, his recovery has not progressed as hoped, particularly impacting his ability to communicate effectively.

Despite his efforts in rehabilitation, including daily workouts that led to significant weight loss, Murphy has acknowledged that his speech has not improved sufficiently to continue in his role. "I feel good, I just can't talk, and that's what's holding me back from being on the radio," he shared on WBEN in Boston.

While he steps away from the microphone, Murphy remains hopeful about his recovery, expressing a desire to possibly return to game day broadcasts in a different capacity. Head coach Sean McDermott and others have praised Murphy's contributions, and Bills owner Terry Pegula has expressed hope that Murphy can continue to be involved with the organization in some way. Chris Brown has been filling in since Murphy's stroke, though future plans for the play-by-play announcer position have not yet been announced.