April 23, 2025

FAIRFAX, VA — Mike Patrick, the iconic voice who brought generations of football and basketball fans into the heart of the action, has died at the age of 80. Known for his commanding play-by-play delivery and infectious passion for the game, Patrick passed away peacefully on Sunday of natural causes at his home in Fairfax, Virginia. His passing was confirmed by his physician and city officials in Clarksburg, West Virginia, his beloved hometown.

For more than five decades, Patrick was a towering figure in the world of sports broadcasting, spending 36 of those years with ESPN. He was best known as the network’s voice for Sunday Night Football, anchoring the primetime NFL broadcast for an astounding 18 seasons. From 1982 until his final game—the AutoZone Liberty Bowl on December 30, 2017—Patrick’s presence in the booth became synonymous with passion, professionalism, and the golden era of televised sports.

A Voice that Defined an Era

“Mike Patrick called countless significant events over decades at ESPN and is one of the most influential on-air voices in our history,” said Burke Magnus, president of content for ESPN. “In addition to calling ESPN’s first-ever regular-season NFL game and voicing the Sunday Night Football franchise for 18 seasons, Mike’s work on college sports was exceptional.”

Indeed, Patrick’s versatility and knowledge extended well beyond the NFL. He was a staple of college basketball broadcasts, especially within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Working alongside legendary analysts like Dick Vitale, he covered more than 30 ACC championship games and was often at the microphone for the epic showdowns between bitter rivals Duke and North Carolina. From 1996 to 2009, he was also the voice of ESPN’s coverage of the Women’s Final Four—an era that helped elevate the visibility and prestige of women’s college basketball.

A Beloved Colleague and Friend

News of Patrick’s death prompted a flood of tributes from current and former colleagues, players, and fans. Many remembered his voice not only as a soundtrack to major sports moments but also as a reminder of a more grounded, passionate era in broadcasting.

“I’m so sorry to learn about the passing of Mike Patrick. I called him Mr. ACC as he had a great love for doing the big ACC games,” said ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale. “Mike had great energy and a keen knowledge of ACC basketball, and I truly enjoyed sitting next to him calling so many special games over the years.”

Fellow ESPN commentator Jay Bilas echoed the sentiment: “So sorry to learn of the passing of the great Mike Patrick. Mike was the voice of ACC Basketball when I was a player, and I had the honor of working with him and calling him a friend. Mike Patrick was a pro’s pro. RIP Mike Patrick.”

Patrick’s play-by-play partnership with former NFL quarterback Joe Theismann and analyst Paul Maguire on Sunday Night Football created a chemistry that captivated audiences for nearly two decades. His voice became as much a part of the game-day experience as the players on the field.

A Trailblazer in Sports Media

Patrick began his broadcasting career in 1966 at WVSC-Radio in Somerset, Pennsylvania. From those humble beginnings, his star rose rapidly. By 1970, he was sports director at WJXT-TV in Jacksonville, Florida, providing commentary for the Jacksonville Sharks of the World Football League and Jacksonville University basketball. His contributions to the university earned him a place in their Hall of Fame.

In 1975, Patrick moved to Washington, D.C., to join WJLA-TV as a sports reporter and weekend anchor. He also called games for Maryland football and basketball and handled preseason broadcasts for the Washington NFL franchise. All of this set the stage for his national breakout with ESPN in 1982, where he quickly became one of the network’s foundational voices.

His broadcasting resume is both deep and wide: from calling Thursday Night Football and Saturday Night Football, to covering the College World Series and anchoring major college basketball events. Across every sport and every level, Patrick brought the same intensity, curiosity, and respect for the athletes and the craft.

A Life Well Lived

A graduate of George Washington University, Patrick was also commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He brought the same discipline and honor to broadcasting that he carried into military service.

Reflecting on his career upon his retirement in 2018, Patrick remarked, “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.”

He is survived by his wife, Janet, and their extended family. Plans for a memorial service have not yet been announced.

A Lasting Legacy

Mike Patrick’s impact on the sports world cannot be overstated. He helped shape the identity of ESPN, was the voice behind some of the most memorable moments in modern sports history, and mentored countless young broadcasters along the way. His signature enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the games he covered earned him not only the respect of his peers but the affection of millions of viewers who felt like they knew him.

Patrick may be gone, but his voice—timeless, spirited, and full of reverence for the games he loved—will echo in the memories of sports fans forever.

Rest in peace, Mike Patrick (1945–2025). Thank you for bringing the game to life for so many.