**Mike Patrick, Renowned ESPN Announcer, Passes Away at 80**
Mike Patrick, a celebrated play-by-play announcer with a remarkable 36-year career at ESPN, has passed away at the age of 80 due to natural causes. His death was confirmed by his physician and the City of Clarksburg, West Virginia, on Tuesday.
Patrick began his broadcasting journey in 1982 and quickly became a prominent voice in sports, particularly known for his role as the announcer for ESPN’s “Sunday Night Football,” a position he held for 18 years starting in 1987. He called some of the most memorable moments in NFL primetime until 2005, often alongside former NFL quarterback Joe Theismann and later Paul Maguire.
In addition to football, Patrick made significant contributions to college sports, serving as the voice for ESPN’s Women’s Final Four coverage from 1996 to 2009. He also provided play-by-play commentary for “Thursday Night Football” and “Saturday Night Football” in college football.
Reflecting on his career upon retiring from ESPN in 2018, Patrick expressed gratitude for having pursued his passion. “It’s wonderful to reflect on how I’ve done exactly what I wanted to do with my life,” he stated. “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.”
Before his time at ESPN, Patrick began his career at WVSC-Radio in Somerset, Pennsylvania, in 1966. He later moved to Jacksonville, where he served as the sports director for WJXT-TV and worked as a sports reporter and weekend anchor at WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C., covering Maryland football and basketball.
In addition to his broadcasting achievements, Patrick served in the U.S. military, being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force after graduating from George Washington University. His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, including fellow ESPN broadcaster Dr. Jerry Lee Punch, who praised Patrick’s talent and friendship.
As the sports community mourns the loss of Mike Patrick, his legacy as a pioneering voice in sports broadcasting will undoubtedly endure.
**FAQ**
**What was Mike Patrick known for in his broadcasting career?**
Mike Patrick was best known for his role as a play-by-play announcer for ESPN’s “Sunday Night Football” and his extensive coverage of college football and basketball, including the Women’s Final Four.
