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Mike Patrick, one of the most familiar voices in American sports broadcasting and a longtime fixture at ESPN, has ed away at the age of 80.
He reportedly died of natural causes in Fairfax, Virginia, over the weekend.
Mike Patrick ed after his ing
Patrick's broadcasting career spanned more than five decades, including over 30 years with ESPN and ABC.
He was best known for his work on "Sunday Night Football," where he served as play-by-play announcer from 1987 to 2005.
In addition to his NFL coverage, Patrick brought his voice and ion to countless college football games, ACC basketball matchups, and the College World Series.
His role in shaping sports media history has left a lasting imprint on fans and colleagues alike.
Known for his smooth delivery and unmistakable enthusiasm, Patrick also played a vital role in ESPN's coverage of the NCAA Women's Final Four from 1996 through 2009.
His voice became synonymous with some of the most memorable sports moments over several generations.
Tributes have poured in from across the sports world.
"I'm so sorry to learn about the ing of Mike Patrick," ESPN analyst Dick Vitale shared.
"I called him Mr. ACC as he had a great love for doing the big ACC games. Mike had great energy and a keen knowledge of ACC basketball."
John Antonik of West Virginia added, "Although Mike didn't attend WVU, he was an unapologetic Mountaineer er and one of the great broadcasters to ever call college and pro sports."
"Mike was superb calling college football and basketball, excelled on some of the absolute biggest games of the 2000s," wrote Michael DeCourcy of The Sporting News.
Patrick began his broadcasting journey in 1966 at WVSC-Radio and steadily climbed the ranks, eventually working with networks in Florida and Washington, D.C., before ing ESPN.
He also spent time on the Cleveland Browns' preseason broadcast team and covered Maryland football and basketball during his early years.
Looking back on his career during his retirement in 2018, Patrick said, "It's wonderful to reflect on how I've done exactly what I wanted to do with my life."
His words now echo with deeper meaning as the sports world mourns the loss of one of its most beloved voices.