Footy broadcasting legend Ray Hadley has been keeping himself busy since retiring from the radio last year in a very surprising new role.

The former 2GB broadcaster stepped down in December 2024, ending his 42-year career on the airwaves – and now keeps himself busy working at a butcher’s shop in Sydney.

The 70-year-old opened up about his surprising career move on Tuesday in an interview with Nova’s Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie, revealing what he loves most about his new role.

‘I do it because the owner is my mate and I like being with him. It’s fantastic, you feel relevant again for about an hour or two and then you pack up your retirement bag,’ Ray said.

He then revealed he became involved in this line of work after offering to help his butcher friend during a busy time.

‘I rang my mate, who I ring quite regularly… the butcher at Cherrybook. I said “How you going?” He goes “Not bad, but what are you doing?”,’ he explained. 

Footy broadcasting legend Ray Hadley has been keeping himself busy since retiring from the radio last year in a very surprising new role – as a butcher in Sydney

‘I said “Nothing.” He goes “You want to help?” and I said yes! I’m a 70-year-old man looking for a new part in life.’

Daily Mail has reached out to Ray for comment. 

The veteran presenter, who had also worked with Channel Nine, was renowned for his work presenting footy shows and calling matches.

He has since taken up a role in George’s Fine Meats at the Cherrybrook shopping centre in Sydney’s north-west.

Earlier this month, Ray revealed how he snagged the new role, adding that he loved the job.

‘The owner Wayne is an old neighbour of mine for 20 years,’ he told The Courier Mail.

‘I just pack the meat for him. All the old ladies come in and say: “We miss ya Ray!”

‘I was supposed to play golf today but it was too wet so I came in to help out.

The former 2GB broadcaster retired from his role on the radio in December 2024, ending his 42-year career on the airwaves 

‘I’ve done it before at Christmas when he gets busy. I pack all the hams for him.’

The job holds sentimental value for the former footy presenter, who during his media career, also appeared on Nine’s The Footy Show and Sky News Australia.

‘Helping out in the butcher shop with a great old mate is a lot of fun,’ he added.

‘It’s fitting because it makes me reflect on my late dad, who was a butcher.’

While he still enjoys working with Sky and Fox, Ray said he has also been enjoying life in retirement with his grandchildren. 

Ray signed off from the airways in December with an impressive 13.7 per cent audience share, a jump of 2.5 per cent and a big win for the broadcaster.