Deseret News archives: ‘Hot’ Rod Hundley, revered voice of the Jazz, died on this day in 2015
On March 27, 2015, former college All-American, NBA standout and Hall of Fame broadcaster died. His legacy lives on through his catchphrases.
"Hot Rod" Hundley does a little dance and throws an imaginary ball during his halftime retirement ceremony in 2009 at EnergySolutions Arena. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Editor’s note: This story was originally published on March 27, 2025. A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.
“Hot” Rod Hundley, longtime voice of the Utah Jazz and former two-time NBA All-Star, died on March 27, 2015. He was 80. Hundley was a Hall of Fame broadcaster who followed the Jazz from their inception in 1974 in New Orleans through 35 seasons before retiring from that post in 2009.
He remains beloved in the Beehive State. “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 news release when he died. “The expressions he used throughout the game broadcasts are legendary.
” Utah Jazz announcer "Hot Rod" Hundley talks with Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan in December 1988. | Utah Jazz Think about some of Hundley’s catchphrases: “You gotta love it, baby! ” “With a gentle push and a mild arc, the old cow hide globe hit home.