Updated on: February 16, 2026 / 9:59 PM PST
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Jim Hill, a cornerstone of Los Angeles sports broadcasting, is currently celebrating a remarkable 50-year milestone in covering the city’s athletic landscape. This achievement adds another chapter to a distinguished career that has evolved from a professional football player and radio personality to become synonymous with Southern California sports coverage.
A Half-Century of Sports Storytelling
Hill’s enduring presence in the broadcast booth has made him a familiar face to generations of Los Angeles sports enthusiasts. His career began long before his time at CBS, and his dedication to the region’s teams and athletes has been unwavering. He was pictured reporting before a UCLA Bruins football game on September 12, 2025, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, a testament to his continued commitment.
Hill’s journey began with a childhood ambition to be at the heart of the action, whether with his siblings or on the football field in San Antonio, Texas. After attending Texas A&I University in Kingsville, he was drafted in the First Round of the 1968 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers, launching a seven-year professional football career as a defensive back.
From the Gridiron to the Broadcast Booth
During his NFL tenure, Jim Hill recorded 19 interceptions, including notable plays against prominent quarterbacks such as Len Dawson, Archie Manning, and Joe Namath. He spent three seasons with the Chargers, followed by three with the Green Bay Packers, concluding his playing career with the Cleveland Browns in 1975. Notably, even during his time with the Packers, Hill demonstrated an aptitude for broadcasting, working as a disc jockey and local sportscaster concurrently.
The transition to Los Angeles proved pivotal, opening doors to a broadcasting career that would define his legacy. He joined the CBS team in 1976, quickly establishing himself as a pioneering figure – one of the first athletes to successfully transition into sports broadcasting. This unique perspective allowed him to connect with fellow athletes like Steve Garvey, Jack Youngblood, and Marques Johnson.
Witnessing Decades of Championship Glory
Since joining CBS, Hill has been a constant presence during a period of significant sporting success for Los Angeles. The region has celebrated two Super Bowl victories – the Los Angeles Rams in 2021 and the Los Angeles Raiders in 1983 – alongside six World Series titles, five claimed by the Los Angeles Dodgers and one by the Anaheim Angels.
He has also covered 11 NBA Finals wins for the Los Angeles Lakers, seven MLS Cup titles (six for the LA Galaxy and one for LAFC in 2022), three Stanley Cups (two for the Los Angeles Kings and one for the Anaheim Ducks), three National Championships for the USC Trojans, and three WNBA Finals titles for the Los Angeles Sparks. Hill has observed the evolution of the city’s sports infrastructure, including the construction of venues like SoFi Stadium and the Intuit Dome, and the return of the Rams after a 20-year absence, alongside the relocation of the Chargers.
A Legacy of Recognition and Respect
Jim Hill’s contributions were formally recognized in 2006 with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking the first of numerous accolades. These include the Los Angeles Area Emmy Governor Award and lifetime achievement honors from the LA Press Club, Golden Mikes, and Southern California Sports Broadcasters. During his Walk of Fame ceremony, Hill expressed gratitude, stating, “I'm just a sportscaster, but I know how lucky I am to live in this great city, to have the fabulous job that I have and to have all of you here today.”
His 50th anniversary was marked by a heartfelt commemoration, prompting Hill to reflect on the importance of giving back, echoing the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He emphasized his commitment to mentoring young people, expressing appreciation for their support and the community as a whole. Fellow sports personalities, including Magic Johnson, Luc Robitaille, and Dave Roberts, lauded Hill’s dedication and impact, acknowledging his role in elevating their stories and supporting the Los Angeles sports community.
