Legendary ESPN Voice Mike Patrick Passes Away at 80
With a career spanning over three decades, Patrick's impact on ESPN and sports broadcasting is immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to shape the network's coverage of college and professional sports for years to come, a testament to his enduring influence on the world of sports, as seen on espn.
Mike Patrick, the iconic play-by-play voice of ESPN for 36 years, has passed away at 80, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential voices in the network's history. He was known for his work on "Sunday Night Football" and extensive coverage of college sports, particularly basketball, and was the face and voice behind ESPN's "Sunday Night Football" broadcasts from 1987 to 2005.
Patrick joined ESPN in 1982 and went on to cover over 30 ACC championships and anchor the Women's Final Four from 1996 to 2009. His colleagues, including Dick Vitale and Jay Bilas, remembered him for his professionalism, energy, and love for the ACC. ESPN president Burke Magnus praised Patrick's excellence in play-by-play broadcasting, calling him one of the most iconic voices in sports broadcasting.
During his 36-year tenure at ESPN, Patrick called numerous significant events, including the network's first regular-season NFL game in 1987 and 18 seasons of "Sunday Night Football". He also worked on college sports, calling basketball and football games, including the Women's Final Four. Patrick's legacy will live on as a testament to his dedication and passion for sports broadcasting.
Mike Patrick's passing is a loss for the sports broadcasting community, but his contributions to ESPN and the world of sports will never be forgotten. His iconic voice and memorable calls will continue to inspire future generations of sports broadcasters and fans alike.