Tributes paid to legendary ESPN commentator Mike Patrick after death, aged 80
Veteran ESPN commentator Mike Patrick has passed away at the age of 80, it was announced on Tuesday.
According to ESPN, Patrick's doctor confirmed that he died of natural causes in Fairfax, Virginia. Patrick had been off the air since 2017, with his final broadcast being the AutoZone Liberty Bowl on December 30, 2017.
Before his retirement, Patrick was the voice of ESPN's 'Sunday Night Football' coverage from 1987 to 2005. He also worked alongside Joe Theismann on ESPN's first
NFL
regular season game and spent many years partnering with Paul Maguire.
The news of Patrick's passing was first shared by John Antonik,
West Virginia
University's Senior Director of Content, on social media. Antonik wrote on X: "Was passed along the very sad news from former broadcasting colleague Kevin Kiley that Mike Patrick passed away on Easter Sunday.
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"Although Mike didn't attend WVU, he was an unapologetic Mountaineer supporter and one the great broadcasters to ever call college and pro sports."
The Athletic's Chris Vannini added on X: "RIP Mike Patrick, one of the great voices of ESPN college football in the 2000s and 2010s."
ESPN's women's basketball reporter Holly Rowe shared her sorrow, starting her tribute with "This is heartbreaking. We spent many wonderful days mostly laughing then sprinkled in calling games. Mike Patrick was always an absolute delight."
Fans and admirers of Patrick also expressed their condolences and offered prayers for his family.
Former ESPN commentator Mike Patrick (C) died on Easter Sunday at the age of 80
(Image: Photo by)
A fan reflected on their childhood memories, saying, "I grew up watching a lot of 'Sunday Night Football' as a kid and enjoyed Mike Patrick's calls with Joe Theismann in the booth," adding, "One of the best to do it in his field. Thinking of Mike Patrick's family, friends and colleagues."
Patrick, who passed away recently, was not only known for his nearly two decades of 'Sunday Night Football' commentary but also for being a staple voice in ESPN's college sports coverage. He called over 30 ACC basketball championships and was a prominent figure in ESPN's Women's Final Four broadcasts from 1996 to 2009.
In college football, Patrick lent his voice as the play-by-play announcer for 'Thursday Night Football' and 'Saturday Night Football,' as well as for the College World Series. Reflecting on his extensive tenure at ESPN, Patrick once shared his contentment and gratitude, remarking, "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."
As he bid farewell to ESPN in 2018, he acknowledged his fulfilling career and cherished colleagues.
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