Sixers announcer Marc Zumoff is retiring from NBC Sports Philadelphia
Marc Zumoff #MarcZumoff
Longtime Sixers announcer Marc Zumoff is hanging up his headset after nearly 40 years.
The Philadelphia legend and Temple grad, know to most simply as “Zoo,” called more than 2,100 Sixers games over the course of his career, and has been the television voice of the team since 1994.
In a letter posted on NBC Sports Philadelphia, Zumoff explained his reasons for retiring:
Zumoff was a constant during the team’s many ups and downs, including during the Sam Hinkie era, where he remained upbeat despite season after season of low ratings and fewer wins.
“Listen, there’s only 30 of us who do what I do for a living,” Zumoff told the Inquirer in 2018. “So for me to say any aspect of my job is suffering would be ludicrous. Chemotherapy, that’s tough. I didn’t mope for a second. I wasn’t depressed. I wasn’t mad at anybody. I got it. I understood the Process.
“Broadcasting for a team that’s losing is just something you have to figure out a way to work around,” he added.
In a statement, NBC Sports Philadelphia called Zumoff a “beloved and respected icon” and praised the professionalism and dedication exhibited over the course of his long career.
“Most importantly, he’s a generous, engaged and caring member of our community who has made a positive impact on countless others, and inspired and encouraged many to follow his path into basketball and broadcasting,” the network said.
“We sincerely thank Marc Zumoff for all he’s done for this organization, this team and the city of Philadelphia over the last 27 years,” Philadelphia 76ers Managing Partners Josh Harris and David Blitzer said in a statement. “We’ll miss his iconic voice and trademark sayings, which have been staples during 76ers games for the better part of two decades.”
Zumoff joined PRISM in 1982, first serving as the network’s studio host before being named the team’s play-by-play announcer. He was named the National Sports Media Association’s Pennsylvania Sportscaster in both 2018 and 2019, and he’s the member of two hall of fames — Temple University’s School of Communications and Theater Hall of Fame and the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.
Prior to joining PRISM, Zumoff was the play-by-play announcer for the now-defunct Philadelphia Fever indoor soccer team, calling games alongside another Philadelphia legend — longtime Phillies voice Harry Kalas.
Reaction to Zumoff’s announcement among Philadelphia sports media figures was a mixture of celebration and lament that the voice so inextricably linked to the Sixers has decided to walk away from the booth.
Congrats to @marczumoff on a tremendous career. He’s been one of the best in the business for a long time. While we all will dearly miss his @sixers work, we should celebrate that he leaves at the top of his game and with a lot still to do in life. Enjoy retirement my friend!
— Jim Jackson (@JimJPhilly) June 29, 2021
There are almost no words to describe the great @marczumoff: kind, generous, funny, brilliant & incredibly thoughtful. Selfless too. That’s just him as a person. As a broadcaster? Very VERY few in the world have done it at the level of Zoo. He’s truly one of the best. Bittersweet
— Amy Fadool Kane (@amyfadoolNBCS) June 29, 2021
My fave Marc Zumoff call: The Iverson steal to beat the Wizards in 2004. Need a longer version of the end of this game with Zumoff’s call. pic.twitter.com/9EMOL2rgVF
— Dan McQuade (@dhm) June 29, 2021
Try to lock all windows and doors to keep your emotions off the see-saw. Zumoff, legend. Retirement, earned.
— Mike Jensen (@jensenoffcampus) June 29, 2021
I have told @marczumoff this before, & he laughs when I bring it up, but it’s true: I met him in 1987, when he was on PRISM & I was 11, & I’ve never been more nervous to meet any sports-media figure in my life. I’ve also never met one more gracious. Cheers, my friend. #Sixers
— Mike Sielski (@MikeSielski) June 29, 2021 For Marc Zumoff, the 76ers’ ups and downs don’t matter