Mike Tirico reveals new details on terrifying illness that saw him rushed off air during Kentucky Derby coverage
Mike Tirico has revealed the allergic reaction that forced him to step away from NBC's Kentucky Derby coverage is something he's dealt with his 'whole life' despite admitting it is an extremely rare occurrence.
The legendary broadcaster, 58, sparked concern earlier this month when he was rushed off air at Churchill Downs after suffering a 'significant reaction' to his nut allergy.
Fortunately, Tirico quickly took to social media to reassure fans that he was fine after the terrifying ordeal, before he explained how eating something with a nut in had caused his throat and nose to 'clog up and swell'.
And a few weeks on from the health scare he has provided new details on the allergy, insisting that kind of reaction only occurs 'every several years.'
During an interview with TMZ Sports, Tirico said: 'I've had a peanut allergy my whole life. Unfortunate timing, but glad we could bring light to the 30 million folks who deal with food allergies all the time.'
He then added: 'I've heard from a lot of parents, sadly parents who lost their kids to food allergies, folks who had serious reactions, who appreciated that their kids could talk about it freely.'
Mike Tirico has revealed the allergic reaction he suffered in Kentucky is a rare occurence
The broadcaster was rushed off air at the Kentucky Derby after a reaction to his nut allergy
When asked how often that reaction occurs, the NBC commentator explained: 'Not very often at all, I'm really careful about it. Just one of those times.
'It's rare. It only happens every several years.'
Tirico didn't return for Saturday's big race, the 151st edition of the Kentucky Derby, which was ultimately won by Sovereignty.
He had to be replaced by NBC colleague Ahmed Fareed on the day, before sharing an update to his followers on X.
Hate being a scratch after making the starting gate @KentuckyDerby,' Tirico said.
'Just a significant reaction to my nut allergy. If you have one you know how it can knock you down. Profound thanks to @ChurchillDowns for their care. And to our amazing @NBCSports horse racing family.'
Tirico is one of the most recognizable faces in sports broadcasting and the leading voice for NBC Sports.
Tirico posted on social media a 'significant reaction to my nut allergy' forced him to step away
The New York native calls Sunday Night Football weekly, has been the lead in-studio host for every Olympic Games dating back to the 2016 Summer Olympics and hosts all three events in horse racing's Triple Crown.
In building his career and covering nearly every major sporting event over his 38-year career, he has built up an impressive net worth and yearly salary.
Tirico makes $6million annually and has a net worth of $14million, per Parade.
He has also made strides outside of sports broadcasting with NBC, filling in as a host on 'Today' during Easter week.
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