Courtesy Des Moines Register

(April 10, 2009) When Iowa football fans next see former star Ed Podolak, they will find him healthier, lighter and re-energized to finish out his career as a radio analyst for the Hawkeyes.

That was the word Wednesday from Gary Dolphin, Podolak’s partner in broadcasting Iowa football games for the past 13 years.

“Today is like Christmas for me,” Dolphin said after receiving the news that Podolak would return to the broadcast booth next season. “I couldn’t be happier to be with the guy whose energy and knowledge of Hawkeye football is something that all Hawkeye fans love.”

The Hawkeyes’ first game of the season is Sept. 5 against Northern Iowa.

Iowa athletic director Gary Barta announced Wednesday that Podolak, 61, would return to Hawkeye broadcasts despite announcing his retirement in January after unflattering pictures surfaced of the broadcaster and an unidentified woman in a hotel bar during Iowa’s trip to the Outback Bowl.

“It’s great to know Ed will be back in the booth for another Hawkeye football season,” Barta said. “He has the football knowledge, he knows Iowa’s history, and wears Hawkeye pride on his sleeve better than anyone I’ve met. I’m very proud of Ed, and can’t wait to hear him calling the games this fall.”

A week after his announced retirement, Podolak issued a statement saying that he was seeking professional treatment, but declined to say whether it was alcohol-related.

Podolak said he had been embarrassed by the pictures, but would retire to focus on his personal business ventures.

“Over the last few months the people closest to me in life have convinced me that treatment is in my best interest,” Podolak said in a statement. “The unbelievable outpouring of concern and love from Iowa fans everywhere has also had a big impact on my decision. I’ll always be a Hawkeye, but their prayers and well-wishes have made this decision much easier.”

Podolak could not be reached for comment Wednesday, but will meet with the media Saturday in Iowa City, athletic officials said.

Dolphin said Wednesday that he had dinner with Podolak about two weeks ago and found the former NFL running back to have lost about 25 pounds and “to still have that great sense of humor.”

“Eddie wanted to make sure that Iowa wanted him back as much as he wanted to be back, and I think that became clear to everyone,” Dolphin said.

But Dolphin said Podolak understands he is entering a new phase of his life. Dolphin said Podolak mentioned that in reference to a recent visit with former Hawkeye radio voice Jim Zabel in Arizona.

“Ed mentioned that when he joined Jim that Jim was 61 and now he is that age,” Dolphin said. “I think he understands that his health is important to him and his family.”

Dolphin also said that Podolak’s return means he will be able to retire “on his own terms.”

“Ed seems so re-energized about everything right now,” Dolphin said. “He has so much drive and he looks great. I think that shows what kind of a guy he is and how strong he is.”