Maple Leafs Broadcast Legend Joe Bowen Takes First-Ever Day Off in 43 Years To Watch Notre Dame In College Football National Championship

For the first time in his illustrious 43-year career as the voice of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Joe Bowen requested a day off.

The reason?

A rare opportunity to watch his beloved Notre Dame Fighting Irish compete for the College Football National Championship. Bowen, a die-hard Notre Dame fan, spent Monday night surrounded by family, including his sons, to witness the Fighting Irish take on the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 CFP Championship.

The championship game coincided with the Maple Leafs’ home matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning. While Bowen cheered for Notre Dame, the Leafs secured a 5-3 victory at Scotiabank Arena with Todd Crocker filling in for Bowen on the call.

“Many thanks to Jeff MacDonald and TSN1050Radio to allow me to spend a very special day with my family!” Bowen wrote on X on Monday. “In 43 years of doing this job, this is the first day off I have asked for. Go Irish!!!

The 73-year-old has been a cornerstone of Maple Leafs’ broadcasts since 1982. Initially appearing on television, he transitioned to radio in 2014, where he has shared the booth with Jim Ralph on regionally televised games. The duo's return for the 2024-25 season was confirmed last summer, much to the delight of Leafs Nation.

This past Saturday, Bowen celebrated another milestone, calling his 3,700th game as the Leafs defeated the Montreal Canadiens 7-3 at the Bell Centre.

Related: 'Not Going Anywhere!': Joe Bowen and Jim Ralph to Return as Radio Voice of Maple Leafs For Another Season

Unfortunately for Bowen and Notre Dame fans, the Buckeyes emerged victorious with a 34-23 win, denying the Irish their 12th National Title and their first since 1988.

However, despite the Fighting Irish falling short of their goal after a stellar 14-1 season, Bowen’s decision is a testament to his love for the team, with his bio on X listing him first as the Maple Leafs broadcaster and then as a “Fan of the Fighting Irish.”

Bowen will return to the booth Wednesday night when the Leafs host the Columbus Blue Jackets.

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