Mike Patrick, Legendary ESPN Broadcaster, Dies at 80

Mike Patrick, a familiar and beloved voice in American sports broadcasting, has died at the age of 80. Officials from his hometown of Clarksburg, West Virginia, said he passed away on Sunday from natural causes in Fairfax, Virginia.

Patrick joined ESPN in 1982 and quickly became one of its most trusted play-by-play announcers. He was best known for calling Sunday Night Football from 1987 to 2005, often working with Joe Theismann and Paul Maguire. He also called ESPN’s first-ever NFL game.

He retired in 2017 after covering the Liberty Bowl. In total, Patrick spent 36 years with the network.

During his time at ESPN, he called more than 30 ACC basketball championships and was the voice of the Women’s Final Four from 1996 to 2009. He opened every broadcast with his signature line: “It’s great to have you with us.”

Patrick also worked on college football games, the College World Series, and even the British Open. He was praised by ESPN as “one of the most influential on-air voices in our history.”

Born in Clarksburg on September 9, 1944, Patrick began his career at George Washington University’s college radio station. He later worked in Pennsylvania and Florida before moving into TV broadcasting in Washington, D.C.

In his early years, he also called games for the Jacksonville Sharks and University of Maryland teams.

“Mike Patrick’s voice may have fallen silent, but his legacy as one of America’s greatest sportscasters and a proud son of Clarksburg will endure,” city officials said.

Patrick is survived by his wife, Janet. He will be remembered for his warmth, professionalism, and the unforgettable moments he brought into millions of homes.