David Steele’s run as the Voice of the Magic has come to an end, and he’s leaving the booth on his own terms.
Steele, who spent 37 seasons calling Orlando Magic games and also worked seven seasons on Gators football and basketball, has officially retired after 51 years in sports broadcasting. He was the team’s voice from the beginning in 1989 and became one of the defining sounds not just of Magic basketball, but of Florida sports as a whole.
For Steele, the decision came down to family.
"One of the best parts of the job that I did for 37 seasons...Somebody might do something that everybody is talking about the next day all around the country(for) T-Mac... it could literally happen any night."
When asked why he was stepping away, Steele pointed to the people closest to him.
"My family. I want to spend more time with them... to enjoy, relax, do some traveling, and give back to my wife who gave so much for 51 years professionally"
Those are the words of someone who knows exactly what the job demanded, and exactly what he’s giving up by walking away. Steele’s career stretched across decades, but his place in Orlando sports never really changed: he was the constant, the soundtrack, the familiar voice fans grew up with.
Now the microphone is down, and the appreciation is pouring in. For a broadcaster who gave the Magic everything from Day 1, retirement feels less like an ending than a well-earned handoff.
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