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Legendary ESPN Announcer Mike Patrick Passes Away at 80

Mike Patrick, a renowned announcer with a remarkable 36-year tenure at ESPN, has passed away at the age of 80 due to natural causes. Reports of his death emerged from his physician and the City of Clarksburg, West Virginia.

Patrick’s notable career began in 1982, but he rose to prominence as the voice of ESPN’s “Sunday Night Football,” a role he held for an impressive 18 seasons from 1987 to 2005. His broadcasts became synonymous with NFL primetime, where he shared the booth with notable figures like former NFL quarterback Joe Theismann and sports commentator Paul Maguire.

A Diverse Broadcasting Career

Beyond football, Patrick made significant contributions to college sports, including basketball and football coverage. He was particularly recognized for his role in ESPN’s Women’s Final Four broadcasts from 1996 until 2009, further showcasing his versatility as an announcer. His play-by-play work extended to college football, notably for “Thursday Night Football” and “Saturday Night Football.”

Reflecting on his career upon retirement in 2018, Patrick expressed gratitude for having fulfilled his lifelong ambition: “It’s wonderful to reflect on how I’ve done exactly what I wanted to do with my life,” he remarked, appreciating the opportunity to work with talented colleagues both on and off the air.

Foundational Years and Service

Mike Patrick’s journey began in 1966 when he joined WVSC-Radio in Somerset, Pennsylvania. He later transitioned to television as the sports director at WJXT-TV in Jacksonville and contributed as a sports reporter and weekend anchor for WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C., where he covered Maryland football and basketball games.

In addition to his broadcasting achievements, Patrick served his country as a commissioned Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force after graduating from George Washington University, reflecting his committed spirit both in sports and service.

Tributes Pour In