Steve Orloff, Longtime NFL Cameraman Dies after Battle with Cancer

Steve Orloff, a CBS Sports cameraman who has captured some of the most iconic moments in sports history, has died following a battle with lung cancer. He was 71.

Orloff, of Sandwich MA, died on Saturday, December 28th, 2024, according to an obituary available online. CBS sports announcer Jim Nantz announced the tragic news while calling the Broncos vs Chiefs NFL game on Sunday, January 5.

Orloff’s death occurred following a gruelling battle with cancer. Nantz and colleagues Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson called for prayers for the family of the deceased cameraman.

Steve Orloff was born on March 25, 1953 in Springfield, Massachusetts. He graduated from Peabody High School and proceeded to UMass Amherst. His camera work, spanning decades, marked him as one of the most experienced sports broadcasters who has been present in capturing some of the most iconic moments in NFL lore.

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Orloff was diagnosed with lung cancer in February 2024. He’d been battling the condition since which took its toll on his health. “I give the experience of treatments and scans and doctors and tests two thumbs down,” he wrote in a morbidly humorous November 5 Facebook post. “I have seen that a lot of people have it worse than I do… I have read that smoking is bad for you. I wish I knew that earlier. I quit not soon enough-8 years ago. Oh well,” he added.

The announcement of the 71-year-old’s death led to reactions from sports fans who mainly expressed condolences.

“RIP Steve…heard the tribute from your guys at CBS…The kind of guy I’d have spent time drinking a beer and watching silly sports with. God speed, sleep well and peacefully ❤️” read one tribute comment.