A Celebrated Career

Mike Patrick’s journey in sports announcing began in 1982, and he quickly became a familiar presence at ESPN. His most notable role was as the voice of “Sunday Night Football,” a position he held for 18 years until 2005.

During his tenure, Patrick partnered with renowned figures such as former NFL quarterback Joe Theismann and analyst Paul Maguire, providing play-by-play coverage of memorable NFL games.

Impact on College Sports

In addition to the NFL, Patrick made significant contributions to college sports, especially in football and basketball. He was a notable commentator for ESPN’s Women’s Final Four from 1996 to 2009 and provided coverage for both “Thursday Night Football” and “Saturday Night Football.”

His deep understanding of the games and engaging delivery left a lasting impression on audiences across the country.

Background and Early Career

Before rising to prominence at ESPN, Patrick’s career began at WVSC-Radio in Somerset, Pennsylvania, in 1966. He later served as sports director at WJXT-TV in Jacksonville and worked as a sports reporter and weekend anchor at WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C., covering Maryland football and basketball games.

A graduate of George Washington University, Patrick also served in the U.S. Air Force, achieving the rank of Second Lieutenant.

Reflections on His Career

Patrick retired from ESPN in 2018, expressing his gratitude for a fulfilling career: “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.”

A Community Mourning

The announcement of Patrick’s passing has prompted tributes from colleagues and fans alike. Dr. Jerry Lee Punch, a fellow ESPN broadcaster, shared his sentiments on social media: “I learned so much from this man. Mike Patrick could do it all. His preparation, delivery, voice inflections, & amazing dry humor made him the GOAT in my book.”