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Kirk Herbstreit Saddened By Death Of Iconic College Football Announcer

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Apr 23, 2025 2:15 PM ET

Kirk Herbstreit and the rest of the ESPN family are operating with a heavy heart this week.

On Tuesday, ESPN confirmed that former play-by-play broadcaster Mike Patrick passed away of natural causes last weekend. The longtime voice of "Sunday Night Football" was 80 years old.

Patrick started his broadcasting career with ESPN in 1982. He called "Sunday Night Football" games for 18 NFL seasons before moving away from that role. The legendary broadcaster was also known for covering the NCAA Tournament, College World Series and other marquee events.

"Mike Patrick called countless significant events over decades at ESPN and is one of the most influential on-air voices in our history," ESPN president of content Burke Magnus said. "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.

"For 36 years, he called football and men's and women's basketball, including the Women's Final Four and so many historic matchups between ACC rivals Duke and UNC. Our deepest condolences to Mike's family and his many friends throughout the industry."

A few hours after ESPN announced Patrick's death, Herbstreit posted a heartfelt message on social media.

"Very sorry to hear this news," Herbstreit wrote on Tuesday night. "Always enjoyed listening to Mike on a call. Had such a unique and familiar voice. He will be missed. Best to Mikes family."

Patrick, a member of Jacksonville University's Hall of Fame, called a handful of college football games for ESPN. He was considered the voice of "Saturday Night Football."

The last assignment that Patrick had during his ESPN career was the AutoZone Liberty Bowl in 2017. Iowa State defeated Memphis 21-20 in a nail-biting finish.

Our thoughts are with Patrick's loved ones at this time.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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