Quick Read
- Mike Patrick, a longtime ESPN broadcaster, died at 80 on Sunday.
- He was best known as the voice of ESPN’s ‘Sunday Night Football’ for 18 years.
- Patrick also covered college football, basketball, and the Women’s Final Four.
- His career spanned 36 years, retiring in 2018 after his final Liberty Bowl broadcast.
- Patrick’s legacy is celebrated for his professionalism and passion for sports broadcasting.
Mike Patrick: A Legendary Voice in Sports Broadcasting
Mike Patrick, a renowned sports broadcaster who spent 36 years with ESPN, passed away on Sunday at the age of 80. His death, attributed to natural causes, was confirmed by his physician and the city of Clarksburg, West Virginia, where he was born and raised. Patrick’s illustrious career left an indelible mark on the world of sports broadcasting, making him one of the most recognizable voices in American sports.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in 1944 in Clarksburg, West Virginia, Mike Patrick grew up in the Chestnut Hills neighborhood and graduated from Washington Irving High School. His passion for broadcasting was ignited during his time at George Washington University, where he stumbled upon a poster inviting students to join the college radio station, WRGW. Reflecting on his first experience, Patrick once said, “I had no idea what I was going to do, but I did the show from 4 to 5 that day, and I was hooked.”
Patrick’s professional journey began in 1966 at WVSC-Radio in Somerset, Pennsylvania. He later moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where he became the sports director at WJXT-TV. His career continued to flourish as he joined WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C., serving as a sports reporter and weekend anchor. During this time, he also provided play-by-play commentary for Maryland football and basketball games.
Joining ESPN: A Career of Milestones
In 1982, Patrick joined ESPN during its formative years. He quickly became a prominent figure in the network, known for his versatility and ability to cover a wide range of sports. His most notable role was as the play-by-play announcer for ESPN’s ‘Sunday Night Football,’ a position he held from 1987 until the franchise moved to NBC in 2006. During this tenure, he worked alongside analysts such as Joe Theismann and Paul Maguire, delivering memorable commentary on NFL primetime games.
Patrick’s contributions extended beyond professional football. He was a trusted voice for college football and basketball, covering marquee matchups and championships. From 1996 to 2009, he was the voice of ESPN’s Women’s Final Four coverage, showcasing his ability to bring excitement and depth to every game he called. Additionally, he covered over 30 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) basketball championships and worked on the College World Series for more than a decade.
A Legacy of Excellence
Patrick’s work earned him widespread respect and admiration within the sports broadcasting community. ESPN President of Content Burke Magnus described him as “one of the most influential on-air voices in our history.” Longtime colleague Dick Vitale affectionately referred to him as “Mr. ACC,” praising his energy and deep knowledge of basketball. Fellow broadcaster Jay Bilas also paid tribute, calling Patrick “a pro’s pro” and a dear friend.
Patrick’s final broadcast was the 2017 AutoZone Liberty Bowl, after which he retired in 2018. Reflecting on his career, he said, “It’s wonderful to reflect on how I’ve done exactly what I wanted to do with my life. At the same time, I’ve had the great pleasure of working with some of the very best people I’ve ever known, both on the air and behind the scenes.”
Remembering Mike Patrick
Beyond his professional achievements, Patrick was also a proud son of Clarksburg. The city honored him with a commemorative sign on the Second Street Parking Garage ramp, recognizing his contributions to sports and his hometown. In a statement, the city remarked, “Mike Patrick’s voice may have fallen silent, but his legacy as one of America’s greatest sportscasters and a proud son of Clarksburg will endure.”
Patrick’s influence extended to his colleagues and fans alike. Dr. Jerry Lee Punch, a fellow ESPN broadcaster, shared his admiration on social media, writing, “Mike Patrick could do it all. His preparation, his delivery, his voice inflections, and his amazing dry humor made him the GOAT in my book.”
A Lasting Impact
Mike Patrick’s career serves as a testament to his dedication, passion, and talent in sports broadcasting. From his humble beginnings at a college radio station to becoming one of the most iconic voices in sports, Patrick’s journey is an inspiration to aspiring broadcasters. His legacy will continue to resonate with sports fans and professionals for years to come.
Mike Patrick is survived by his family, friends, and countless admirers who will forever remember his contributions to the world of sports.