Bay Area Sports Radio Icon Steve Duemig Passes Away

Bay Area Sports Radio Icon Steve Duemig, "The Big Dog," Passes Away

By Spectrum News Staff Tampa

PUBLISHED 3:31 PM ET May 16, 2019 PUBLISHED 3:31 PM EDT May 16, 2019

TAMPA, Fla. — Steve Duemig, "The Big Dog" as he was known on Tampa sports radio for almost 30 years, has passed away. WDAE, Duemig's radio home from 1996-2018, announced his passing Thursday afternoon.

Duemig started his career with WFNS in 1991. He was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017 and hosted his final show on WDAE in February 2018.

. @953WDAE Announces The Passing Of Steve Duemig #RIPSteveDuemig #RIPBigDog https://t.co/PFpyA3hhAY pic.twitter.com/oaYCuUSb95
— 95.3 WDAE (@953WDAE) May 16, 2019

Duemig also served as a color analyst on radio broadcasts of Tampa Bay Lightning games and co-hosted a program on "The Golf Channel." Duemig had a 13-year career as a professional golfer prior to his radio career.

Tributes to Duemig from peers, colleagues, and fans across the Bay area began appearing on Twitter following WDAE's announcement.

It’s with great sadness I tell you Steve Duemig has passed away. He spent many years talking sports on the radio in Tampa. And he was a friend. The family asked me to tell you they thank you for all your prayers, love & support. Service details will be forthcoming. #RIPBigDog pic.twitter.com/21UUePrQ3j
— Charley Belcher FOX (@CharleyBelcher) May 16, 2019

Sad to hear about the passing of Steve Duemig. We sometimes disagreed over the years, but we treated each other with respect. He is, no question, the most famous sports-talk radio host in Tampa Bay history. Prayers to his family.
— Tom Jones (@TomWJones) May 16, 2019

Will offer more thoughts later tonight. Worked with Steve Duemig for a few years. What so many might be shocked about is that despite his on-air bluster, Duemig had an absolute heart of gold. #RIPBigDog
— JoeBucsFan (@JoeBucsFan) May 16, 2019

Sad to hear the news about .@WDAE afternoon host Steve Duemig passing away...Between Chris Thomas and myself.....We built a GREAT station in #Tampa! @iHeartMedia @iHeartRadio ...R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/S5EgRC8uvn
— Dan Sileo (@DanSileoShow) May 16, 2019

A very, very sad day in Tampa Bay Sports. https://t.co/E3htlq05Yh
— Ronnie Lane (@RonnieNTL) May 16, 2019

RIP @BigDogwdae. I shared the mic w/ him for 10 years doing the Buccaneer Blitz Wednesdays 5-6pm during #Bucs season from 1999-2008 on @953WDAE. He played a big role in helping grow Buccaneer Magazine/PewterReport.com and I will forever be grateful. A good friend, a Tampa legend.
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) May 16, 2019

So sorry to hear of the passing of Steve Duemig. The dean of Tampa Bay sports talk, he loved all of the area's teams and events - but we know professional golf including the @ValsparChamp held a special place in his heart. He was a great friend of our tournament and is missed.
— Valspar Championship (@ValsparChamp) May 16, 2019

as a former colleague and fan, i am saddened to hear of the passing of Steve Duemig.

safe home sir, may you rest in peace
— Sven Anderson (@sventology) May 16, 2019

RIP Steve Duemig. The Big Dog had a big voice and did as much as anyone in the Tampa Bay media market to promote the NHL and the Tampa Bay Lightning in this area.
— Roy Cummings (@RCummingsFHCN) May 16, 2019

Devastated to hear Tampa radio legend Steve Duemig is gone. Grew up listening to him, and felt so lucky to often join him on air. As tough as Big Dog was on the radio, off it he was such a caring softie. The entire Walsh family will miss him so much. @953WDAE pic.twitter.com/Cm2TnYpW6J
— Sara Walsh (@Sara_Walsh) May 16, 2019

Statement From Buccaneers Owner/Co-Chairman Bryan Glazer Regarding The Passing Of Long-Time Tampa Radio Personality Steve Duemig pic.twitter.com/ZPC654d6MM
— Bucs Communications (@BuccaneersComms) May 16, 2019

Sorry to hear that Steve Duemig has passed. A friend and fellow sports announcer. He fought the good fight, he has finished the race. God Bless. #RIPBIGDOG
— Gene Deckerhoff (@gened01) May 16, 2019

Saddened by this news...I might not have always agreed with what he said or how he said it...but he always had his finger on the pulse of Tampa Bay sports fans and was our guard dog when outsiders went after our teams! His on-air passion was second to none. #RIPBigDog https://t.co/KU8ZtgR28W
— Dave Wills (@davewills34) May 16, 2019

Bay Area Sports Radio Icon Steve Duemig, "The Big Dog," Passes Away

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