Mike Patrick, Legendary ESPN Commentator, Passes Away at 80

Mike Patrick, one of the most recognizable voices in sports broadcasting, has passed away at the age of 80. He spent 36 incredible years with ESPN, where he became known as the voice of "Sunday Night Football" and a beloved figure in college sports.

Patrick died on Sunday in Fairfax, Virginia, due to natural causes. His passing was confirmed by both his doctor and the city of Clarksburg, West Virginia — his hometown.

A Voice Millions Knew

Mike Patrick began working with ESPN in 1982. Over the years, he became one of the most respected play-by-play announcers in the industry. He called his last game — the AutoZone Liberty Bowl — on December 30, 2017.

“Mike Patrick called countless important games for ESPN and was one of the most influential voices in our company’s history,” said Burke Magnus, President of Content at ESPN. “He played a key role in launching our NFL coverage and helped make Sunday Night Football a fan favorite for 18 seasons.”

Patrick didn’t just call NFL games. He was also a major part of ESPN’s college football and basketball coverage. He was known for his energy, passion, and deep knowledge of the game — whether it was football or basketball.

A Long and Legendary Career

Patrick was the play-by-play announcer for ESPN’s “Sunday Night Football” from 1987 to 2005. He worked alongside football greats like Joe Theismann and Paul Maguire in the broadcast booth.

In college sports, Patrick had an even longer and more active role. He called over 30 ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) basketball championships and was the lead voice for the Women’s Final Four from 1996 to 2009.

He often worked alongside popular analysts like Dick Vitale, and together, they made some of the most exciting college games even more unforgettable.

“Mike had a great love for ACC basketball,” said Vitale. “He brought amazing energy and truly knew the game. I loved working with him and calling so many classic games together.”

Former Duke basketball player and current ESPN analyst Jay Bilas also shared his thoughts: “Mike was the voice I grew up with. He was a true professional and a great friend.”

First-Ever NFL Game on ESPN

One of Patrick’s biggest moments came in 1987, when he called ESPN’s first-ever regular-season NFL game. That moment helped launch a long and successful run of NFL games on the network.

Patrick also covered college football games, including Thursday and Saturday night matchups. In addition, he was the voice behind ESPN’s College World Series broadcasts, showcasing his versatility across multiple sports.

A Humble Farewell

When Mike Patrick left ESPN in 2018, he looked back on his career with gratitude.

“I’ve been lucky to do exactly what I dreamed of doing,” he said at the time. “I’ve had the chance to work with some of the best people, both on the air and behind the scenes.”

From Local Radio to National Fame

Patrick’s broadcasting career began in 1966, at a small radio station called WVSC-Radio in Somerset, Pennsylvania. Just a few years later, he became the sports director at WJXT-TV in Jacksonville, Florida. There, he called games for the Jacksonville Sharks in the old World Football League and also covered college basketball.

In 1975, Patrick moved to WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C., where he continued to grow his career. He did play-by-play for Maryland football and basketball from 1975 to 1978, and also called NFL preseason games for Washington from 1975 to 1982.

Patrick was a graduate of George Washington University, where he also trained to become a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

A Lasting Legacy

Mike Patrick leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations. His voice was part of some of the most exciting moments in sports history. Whether it was a nail-biting football finish or a buzzer-beater in college basketball, Patrick made every moment feel even more special.

He was more than just a sports commentator — he was a trusted voice, a passionate storyteller, and a fan favorite for decades. His work shaped ESPN's coverage of both professional and college sports.

As fans, friends, and fellow broadcasters remember him, one thing is clear: Mike Patrick’s impact on the world of sports broadcasting will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace, Mike Patrick. Your voice will live on in the memories of sports fans everywhere.

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This information is sourced from ESPN