Bob Irving Retires After Nearly 50 Years As The Voice Of Winnipeg Blue Bombers – Winnipeg | The Canadian News

An iconic Winnipeg sportscaster will soon hang up his microphone.

After nearly five decades as the voice of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, 680 CJOB’s Bob Irving is retiring. Their final game will be the team’s last home game of the season – their appearance in the CFL Western Final on December 5.

In honor of Irving’s legendary career as an announcer for the Bombers, the team dedicates the game to him and will host a pregame ceremony to recognize his contributions.

Nicknamed “Knuckles,” Irving reached 680 CJOBs in 1973 and began his remarkable career as the voice of the Bombers the following year, racking up more than 800 games throughout his career. He has been inducted into the Blue Bomber and Canadian Soccer Halls of Fame, the team’s press room was named after him and he was made a member of the Order of Manitoba.

“Bob Irving has been synonymous with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for part of six decades,” said Winnipeg Football Club President and CEO Wade Miller.

“Bob has made a lasting mark with his contribution to the organization. He has been a tireless supporter of the Blue Bombers and a passionate defender of Manitoba and the Canadian Football League.

“We are fortunate to have been able to listen to Bob for as long as we have and we wish him the best in an incredibly well-deserved retirement.”

Irving said his broadcasting career was an example of “living the dream.” Despite his other job talking about on-air sports, his performance as the voice of the Bombers was the highlight.

“I was fortunate to live my dream of being a sports broadcaster on one of the best radio stations in Canada,” he said.

“In nearly five decades at CJOB, I have covered a variety of sports, anchoring morning sports for nearly 40 years, but the icing on the cake has been the opportunity to be the voice of the Bombers.

“I am grateful for the tremendous support from my wife Daye, who has supported me every step of the way, and from my children, Kyle, Reid, and Ashleigh, who provided similar support. Now is the time to hang up the mic and join Daye in exploring what the rest of our years have in store for us. “

1:59Bob Irving and Ed Tait on Gray Cup