Steve Raible Bio, Age, Height, Wife, Career, Seahawks, KIRO 7, Emmy Awards, Net Worth & Facts

Steve Raible is one of the most iconic voices in Seattle sports history, a man who has been part of the Seahawks franchise since its very first snap and has called every game the team has ever played. At 72 years old, the Louisville, Kentucky native has spent nearly half a century in the Pacific Northwest, transitioning from an original member of the expansion Seahawks to a five-time Emmy Award-winning news anchor and, since 2004, the beloved “Voice of the Seahawks” on radio. With his signature catchphrases “Are you kidding me?!” and “Holy catfish!”, Raible has become as much a part of Seattle’s sporting identity as the Space Needle itself.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Steven Carl Raible was born on June 2, 1954, in Louisville, Kentucky. He attended Trinity High School, where he became the school’s first alumnus to play professional football. He then enrolled at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, playing college football as a tight end and wide receiver in the wishbone offense under head coach Pepper Rodgers.

NFL Playing Career: Seattle Seahawks (1976–1981)

Raible was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the second round (59th overall) of the 1976 NFL Draft—making him one of the franchise’s original players. He transitioned from tight end to wide receiver in the pros and contributed to the team’s inaugural season.

Over six seasons with Seattle, Raible appeared in 84 games, recording:

• 68 receptions
• 1,017 receiving yards
• 3 touchdowns

His playing career ended after the 1981 season due to a collapsed lung suffered during a game. He was just 28 years old.

Broadcasting Career

Early Broadcasting and KIRO-TV (1982–2020)

While preparing for what would have been his seventh NFL season, Raible was offered an opportunity in June 1982 to join the Seahawks radio broadcasts as a color analyst alongside legendary play-by-play announcer Pete Gross on KIRO radio. He accepted and retired from playing. On July 12, 1982, he also joined KIRO 7 television in Seattle as a sports reporter and anchor.

In September 1993, Raible transitioned to the role of main evening news co-anchor at KIRO 7, becoming the lead anchor for the 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts. Over nearly four decades, he covered major events including Olympic Games, presidential campaigns, and international stories from Tokyo to Moscow. He interviewed presidents George H.W. Bush and Barack Obama.

On February 27, 2020, Raible announced his retirement from KIRO 7 after 38 years, with his final newscasts airing in late June 2020. He stayed on an extra month to help cover the COVID-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter protests. “There was never any doubt that this is where (my wife Sharon and I) were going to finish our career,” he said. “This is where we were going to stay because this is the community that we love.”

Seahawks Radio Broadcasting (1982–Present)

Raible has been on the Seahawks broadcast team for 44 seasons—longer than anyone else in franchise history. He started as a color analyst under Pete Gross’s mentorship, learning the craft of game commentary. After Gross’s death from cancer in 1992, Raible continued as an analyst through the 1990s and 2000s.

In 2004, following the departure of play-by-play announcer Brian Davis, Raible was promoted to lead play-by-play duties, succeeding as the “Voice of the Seahawks.” Former quarterback Warren Moon initially served as his color analyst, followed by former Seahawks linebacker Dave Wyman, who remains his partner.

Raible’s broadcasting style is defined by excitement and immediacy. His signature catchphrases include:

• “Are you kidding me?!” — delivered during thrilling plays like long touchdowns
• “Holy catfish!” — his signature exclamation for dramatic moments

He has called every Seahawks game since 1982 without missing a season, including all three of the team’s Super Bowl appearances: Super Bowl XL (2006), Super Bowl XLVIII (2014 victory), and Super Bowl XLIX (2015). He also hosts KIRO 7’s extensive Seafair hydroplane and air show coverage.

In January 2026, Raible discussed the Seahawks’ Super Bowl LX victory, calling it a pivotal moment for the city.

Career Stats

NFL Playing Career:

Broadcasting Career:

• KIRO 7: 1982–2020 (38 years; lead anchor 1993–2020)
• Seahawks Radio: 1982–present (44 seasons)
• Play-by-play: 2004–present (22 seasons)
• Seafair Coverage: Nearly three decades

Personal Life

Marriage and Family

Steve Raible married Sharon in 1981, the same year his playing career ended. The couple has been together for over four decades. They previously lived for 13 years on a 10-acre farm in Enumclaw, where they cared for rescue animals. They now reside in the Seattle area.

Sharon has lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, conditions that have influenced the couple’s charitable priorities. Steve discussed the broadcasting opportunity with Sharon before accepting the role in 1982, and her support was instrumental in his successful career transition.

Philanthropy

Raible is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most active philanthropists. He dedicates his time to numerous organizations including:

• Big Brothers Big Sisters
• Children’s Home Society of Washington
• Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
• Gilda’s Club Seattle
• The Lupus Foundation
• The Moyer Foundation
• Seattle Children’s
• Wellspring Family Services

On May 4, 2005, he received the first Community Hero Award from the Washington Dollars for Scholars program. Governor Christine Gregoire proclaimed May 4 as “Steve Raible Day” in Washington State. In 2004, Steve and Sharon received the Distinguished Community Service Award from the Grace Heffernan Arnold Guild of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. He has twice been honored with the United Way Community Service Award.

Controversies

Steve Raible has maintained a remarkably clean public image throughout his 50-year career. The most notable “controversy” was his decision to shave his famous mustache in March 2008 when KIRO-TV converted to high-definition news broadcasting—a move that generated lighthearted discussion among viewers but no actual scandal.

Awards & Achievements

• 5 Regional Emmy Awards — Including two for “Best Anchor”
• 2 National Edward R. Murrow Awards — For overall excellence in electronic journalism (as part of KIRO 7 team)
• Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Silver Baton Award — For the documentary Why the Orcas of Puget Sound Are Dying
• 2010 Silver Circle Inductee — Northwest Chapter, National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
• 2019 Washington State Sports Hall of Fame — For his broadcasting and Seahawks contributions
• 2001 NCAA Silver Anniversary Award — Recognizing his post-athletic career achievements
• Steve Raible Day — May 4, 2005, proclaimed by Governor Christine Gregoire
• Community Hero Award — Washington Dollars for Scholars (2005)
• 2× United Way Community Service Award
• Distinguished Community Service Award — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (2004)
• Published Author — Steve Raible’s Tales from the Seahawks Sidelines (2004)

Physical Statistics

Quotes

“Are you kidding me?!”
— Signature catchphrase during exciting Seahawks plays.

“Holy catfish!”
— Signature exclamation for dramatic moments.

“There was never any doubt that this is where (my wife Sharon and I) were going to finish our career. This is where we were going to stay because this is the community that we love.”
— On retiring from KIRO 7 in 2020.

Favorites

Earnings

Steve Raible’s net worth is not publicly disclosed. As one of the most tenured broadcasters in the Pacific Northwest, his income over five decades has come from:

• KIRO 7 salary: Lead news anchor salaries in major markets typically range from $200,000–$500,000+ annually
• Seahawks radio contract: NFL play-by-play announcers at his level typically earn $150,000–$300,000+ per season
• Seafair coverage: Additional broadcasting fees
• Book royalties: Tales from the Seahawks Sidelines
• Speaking engagements: Corporate and community appearances

His cumulative earnings across 50 years in broadcasting and professional football likely place him in a comfortable financial position, though no specific figure is publicly available.

Interesting Facts

• Original Seahawk: He was drafted in 1976 and is one of the few people associated with the Seahawks in every year of the franchise’s existence.
• Never Missed a Game: He has called every Seahawks game since 1982—over 40 seasons without missing a broadcast.
• First Trinity Alum in NFL: He was the first graduate of Trinity High School in Louisville to play professional football.
• Collapsed Lung Ended Career: A collapsed lung suffered during the 1981 season ended his playing career at age 28.
• HD Mustache Sacrifice: He shaved his famous mustache in 2008 when KIRO-TV switched to high-definition broadcasting.
• Two Presidents: He has interviewed both George H.W. Bush and Barack Obama.
• Steve Raible Day: May 4, 2005, was officially proclaimed “Steve Raible Day” in Washington State.
• Farm Life: He and Sharon lived on a 10-acre farm in Enumclaw for 13 years, caring for rescue animals.

Did You Know Already?

• Did you know Steve Raible has been part of the Seahawks franchise for 50 consecutive years—first as a player, then as a broadcaster?
• Did you know he has called every single Seahawks game since 1982 without missing a season?
• Did you know he was the first alumnus of his high school to play in the NFL?
• Did you know May 4, 2005, was officially proclaimed “Steve Raible Day” in Washington State?

Social Media Links

• X/Twitter: @RaibleKIRO7
• Wikipedia: Steve Raible
• Pro Football Reference: Steve Raible
• KIRO 7 Profile: Steve Raible
• Seattle Speakers Bureau: Steve Raible

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Steve Raible?
Steve Raible was born on June 2, 1954. He is 72 years old as of mid-2026.

How tall is Steve Raible?
He is 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall and weighed 195 lbs (88 kg) during his playing career.

Is Steve Raible still broadcasting?
Yes, he continues as the play-by-play radio announcer for the Seattle Seahawks, a role he has held since 2004. He retired from KIRO 7 television in June 2020.

How long has Steve Raible been with the Seahawks?
He has been associated with the Seahawks franchise for 50 years—first as an original player from 1976 to 1981, then as a broadcaster from 1982 to present.

What is Steve Raible’s famous catchphrase?
His signature catchphrases are “Are you kidding me?!” and “Holy catfish!”

Did Steve Raible win any awards?
Yes, he has won five Regional Emmy Awards (two for Best Anchor), two National Edward R. Murrow Awards, and was inducted into the Washington State Sports Hall of Fame in 2019.

Is Steve Raible married?
Yes, he has been married to Sharon since 1981. They have been together for over 40 years.

Why did Steve Raible retire from KIRO 7?
He retired in June 2020 after 38 years to spend more time with his family and travel, while continuing his Seahawks radio duties.

Conclusion

Steve Raible’s career is a singular achievement in American sports broadcasting. No one else can claim to have been part of a single NFL franchise for 50 consecutive years—first as an original draft pick, then as the voice that has called every game since 1982. From a collapsed lung that ended his playing days at 28 to five Emmy Awards and a day named in his honor, Raible has become as much a part of Seattle as the rain, the coffee, and the 12th Man. At 72, with his signature catchphrases still electrifying Seahawks fans every Sunday, the “Voice of the Seahawks” remains one of the most beloved figures in Pacific Northwest sports history.

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