Starks, 43, had served in a sideline reporting role for the past four seasons. He played nine seasons for the Steelers, serving as a starter for Super Bowl victories that capped the 2005 and 2008 seasons.

“I am honored to move from the sidelines into the booth for our game day broadcasts,” Starks said in a prepared statement released by the team.

“There is a long and proud history that I look forward to continuing. I have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for the men who preceded me, and I hope to bring the same level of excitement and insight that Steelers fans have come to expect from game day broadcasts.”

Starks’ promotion comes as the third major change over the past five seasons in the radio booth for Steelers broadcasts. In 2021, Wolfley took over for close friend Tunch Ilkin as color commentator after Ilkin’s death.

A Florida alumnus, Starks has worked in radio (terrestrial, satellite and streaming) for ESPN Radio, SEC Radio, NFL Radio and ESPNU. He’s worked as a color commentator for broadcasts produced by ESPN.

“Max brings a championship mindset, deep football knowledge, and an authentic connection with Steelers Nation,” iHeart Pittsburgh market president Bobbie Loesch said in a statement. “His transition from the sideline to the booth is a natural progression, and we’re confident that fans will love the insight and energy he brings to every broadcast.”