Legendary DFW broadcaster Norm Hitz is retiring.
A pioneer in sports talk radio, he signs Fridays from KTCK 1310.
“I’m going to miss the people,” Hitz told NBC 5. “You get addicted to this job and you want to get up and go there every day. There’s something that ignites you, your friend, your laughter. Every day is different.”
Hitz has analyzed the highs and lows of DFW sports for 48 years with trademark enthusiasm.
The Texas Radio Hall of Fame broadcaster started the first all-sports morning drive talk show on KLIF before joining The Ticket in the 1980s.
“I think the ticket is really excited that I’m here because they can do all kinds of pranks and pranks and fight over who has the best ‘Fake Norm’ on air. I love all of that. I consider that an honor,” Hitz said.
At 78, a lot has changed since Hitz started on the air.
“When you go on the air, you’re talking to people about a game they probably haven’t seen. Now when you come on air, everyone has seen the game and analyzed the game you are talking about and you have to try to get more insight.” Hitz said.
In the year He ranked as the most entertaining covering the Dallas Cowboys’ Super Bowl run in the 1990s.
“This town still runs on cowboys, and people love it when they do well,” Hitz said.
Other memorable moments among the many include interviews with Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry and broadcaster Howard Cosell.
In addition to the prestige of his profession, he is also very proud of his philanthropic work. His annual Norm-a-thon raised $9 million for the Austin Street Center to help the homeless.
“We don’t think of the word ‘dignity’ for the homeless, and what Austin Street is trying to restore is their dignity,” Hitz said.
Hitzgs has been open about his past health battles, including bladder cancer, but insists that was not the reason for his retirement.
He wants more time to travel the world with his wife Maryam. The couple plans to launch a podcast in September.
“I’m going to eat sports. What I can’t do is talk about it anymore, but I can do a lot of other things.”
He still imparts wisdom to those who listen.
Even when you’re just starting out with something you’re promising someone, I hope the audience says you’re a hard worker.
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