logo
Tributes paid to legendary ESPN commentator Mike Patrick after death, aged 80

Tributes paid to legendary ESPN commentator Mike Patrick after death, aged 80

Veteran ESPN commentator Mike Patrick has passed away at the age of 80, it was announced on Tuesday.
According to ESPN, Patrick's doctor confirmed that he died of natural causes in Fairfax, Virginia. Patrick had been off the air since 2017, with his final broadcast being the AutoZone Liberty Bowl on December 30, 2017.
Before his retirement, Patrick was the voice of ESPN's 'Sunday Night Football' coverage from 1987 to 2005. He also worked alongside Joe Theismann on ESPN's first
NFL
regular season game and spent many years partnering with Paul Maguire.
The news of Patrick's passing was first shared by John Antonik,
West Virginia
University's Senior Director of Content, on social media. Antonik wrote on X: "Was passed along the very sad news from former broadcasting colleague Kevin Kiley that Mike Patrick passed away on Easter Sunday.
Read More
Related Articles
Terry Bradshaw vows not to retire and lists three things he'll do until he dies
Read More
Related Articles
Notre Dame star awaits NFL Draft shot despite ACL injury cutting season short
"Although Mike didn't attend WVU, he was an unapologetic Mountaineer supporter and one the great broadcasters to ever call college and pro sports."
The Athletic's Chris Vannini added on X: "RIP Mike Patrick, one of the great voices of ESPN college football in the 2000s and 2010s."
ESPN's women's basketball reporter Holly Rowe shared her sorrow, starting her tribute with "This is heartbreaking. We spent many wonderful days mostly laughing then sprinkled in calling games. Mike Patrick was always an absolute delight."
Fans and admirers of Patrick also expressed their condolences and offered prayers for his family.
Former ESPN commentator Mike Patrick (C) died on Easter Sunday at the age of 80
(Image: Photo by)
A fan reflected on their childhood memories, saying, "I grew up watching a lot of 'Sunday Night Football' as a kid and enjoyed Mike Patrick's calls with Joe Theismann in the booth," adding, "One of the best to do it in his field. Thinking of Mike Patrick's family, friends and colleagues."
Patrick, who passed away recently, was not only known for his nearly two decades of 'Sunday Night Football' commentary but also for being a staple voice in ESPN's college sports coverage. He called over 30 ACC basketball championships and was a prominent figure in ESPN's Women's Final Four broadcasts from 1996 to 2009.
In college football, Patrick lent his voice as the play-by-play announcer for 'Thursday Night Football' and 'Saturday Night Football,' as well as for the College World Series. Reflecting on his extensive tenure at ESPN, Patrick once shared his contentment and gratitude, remarking, "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."
As he bid farewell to ESPN in 2018, he acknowledged his fulfilling career and cherished colleagues.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Ashton Jeanty's new NFL coach wants him to drop ‘Michael Myers stance'
Ashton Jeanty's new NFL coach wants him to drop ‘Michael Myers stance'

Yahoo

time13-06-2025

  • Yahoo

Ashton Jeanty's new NFL coach wants him to drop ‘Michael Myers stance'

Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty has been a terrifying prospect for opposing defenses, but there's a chance the former Boise State star will be a little less scary in the NFL. Jeanty went viral last fall for his unconventional stance in the backfield when waiting for the ball to be snapped. Instead of adopting a three-point stance, or even a hands-on-the-knees, bent-over approach like most running backs, Jeanty stood upright and relaxed, standing as if he were on the sideline or waiting in line. Advertisement Fans likened Jeanty to Michael Myers, the antagonist from the cult classic slasher 'Halloween.' Jeanty took the comparisons in stride, dressing up as Myers for Halloween last year. Jeanty's unique approach didn't affect his play too much, as he racked up 2,601 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns in his junior year en route to finishing second in Heisman Trophy voting. However, Jeanty's new offensive coordinator in Las Vegas, Chip Kelly, wants him to adopt a more traditional stance. Speaking to NFL reporter Kay Adams at the Raiders' mini-camp, Jeanty explained how Kelly approached him on day one and asked him whether he played basketball. Kelly then asked Jeanty how he would guard him if the pair played basketball. Jeanty demonstrated the stance for Adams, with his knees bent and on his toes, ready to explode at a moment's notice. Advertisement 'And (Kelly) was like, 'That's exactly why you've got to be down in your running back stance,' Jeanty told Adams. Jeanty said Kelly had 'won for now,' but he will continue trying to persuade his coach to let him stand more like he did for the Broncos. Jeanty isn't alone. Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs stands similarly in the backfield, and he's been a Pro Bowler in both of his years in the league. Former NFL and Super Bowl-winning coach Jon Gruden asked Jeanty about his stance in February, comparing him to Gibbs and asking if it provided a better view of the field. Both players are on the shorter side for an NFL running back, with Jeanty listed as 5-foot-8 and Gibbs as 5-foot-9. Advertisement 'Obviously, I'm trying to scan the defense,' Jeanty explained. 'I think either way you can scan the defense, but the most important thing is being relaxed before the ball is snapped. Football is a violent game, but a lot happens in those few seconds of scanning.'

Brian Flores still finds joy running the Vikings defense after being passed over for head coach jobs
Brian Flores still finds joy running the Vikings defense after being passed over for head coach jobs

Associated Press

time12-06-2025

  • Associated Press

Brian Flores still finds joy running the Vikings defense after being passed over for head coach jobs

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings were in full-team drills during minicamp on Thursday, when an unexpected pre-snap alignment by the defense prompted new center Ryan Kelly to ask coach Kevin O'Connell about the call he should make for blocking that play. 'Your guess is as good as mine,' O'Connell told Kelly, as he later recounted to reporters. 'I've got no idea what they're doing over there.' Yes, that's the Brian Flores effect on the Vikings offense, a recurring and welcomed feature of practice against one of the NFL 's most aggressively experimental defensive coordinators. 'It must've been pretty close to the end of the offseason program, because today he ran some stuff that I didn't even know was in there,' O'Connell said. 'That's Flo. I challenge him all the time to do those things.' The mad scientist behind the shape-shifting and fast-moving scheme is back for his third season with the Vikings, a pleasant surprise of sorts for a team that figured he'd have landed another head coach position by now. Flores interviewed for vacancies with the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Jets in January, but he was passed over by all three clubs. 'Being able to sit in that interview setting and have a conversation for that role is obviously an honor, and those jobs went to guys who were certainly deserved,' Flores said. 'It was a great experience, and I enjoyed it. I'm also very happy to be right where I am.' Flores, who was fired by the Miami Dolphins after three seasons as their head coach from 2019-21, still has a racial discrimination lawsuit pending against the league in response to losing that job. But if there's any bitterness Flores is harboring, he's hiding it well. Since O'Connell hired him in 2023, he has embraced this experience with the Vikings and all that has come with it for him and his family. The Vikings ranked fifth in the league in scoring defense last season after finishing 14th the year before. They were 28th in 2022 before he arrived. Successful spending in free agency helped enhance the depth chart, but Flores has also helped turn unheralded players such as safety Josh Metellus and linebacker Ivan Pace into key contributors. Last season, the Vikings tied for the league lead with 33 takeaways, leading to a steady stream of on-field celebrations. 'My joy comes from watching them have excitement,' Flores said. The frequent use of Metellus as an inside linebacker or an edge rusher was one way Flores has used unorthodox schemes to take advantage of his players' quickness — of body and mind — and keep the opponent constantly guessing. On some third downs, in another example, he'd fill the line with stand-up pass rushers. Spring practice is the time to tinker. Flores, in regular conversation with safety Harrison Smith, linebacker Blake Cashman or defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, is never afraid to try a new look. Why not see if it can work? 'He's always trying to evolve. He's always trying to be one step ahead,' edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel said. 'That's one thing I love about him.' ___ AP NFL:

Statue honoring Tom Brady set to be unveiled in August, Patriots say
Statue honoring Tom Brady set to be unveiled in August, Patriots say

Fox News

time12-06-2025

  • Fox News

Statue honoring Tom Brady set to be unveiled in August, Patriots say

Tom Brady is by far the most accomplished player to have worn a New England Patriots uniform. The former NFL quarterback won six of his seven Super Bowl titles during his two-decade run in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Brady spent the final three seasons of his storied career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning one more championship with the team. He returned to New England last June for his Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremony. On Thursday, the team announced plans to continue honoring the legendary quarterback. A statue made in Brady's likeness is scheduled to be unveiled on Aug. 8 during the Patriots' preseason game against the Washington Commanders. "A legacy etched in bronze forever. @TomBrady's statue will be unveiled on 8/8 prior to Patriots vs. Commanders," the Patriots wrote on X. While Brady has hoisted the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy seven times, he also holds several other NFL records. He started 333 games during his career, leading his teams to 46 fourth-quarter comebacks during that span. Brady's road to success was paved with uncertainty. He fell to the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. When then-franchise quarterback Drew Bledsoe suffered an injury in 2001, Brady was thrust into action. He played so well that he never relinquished the starting quarterback job. Before making it to the professional football ranks, Brady had an uphill battle as he worked to land playing time at Michigan. The Patriots previously retired Brady's No. 12 jersey. The statue will rise to 12 ft. in height and will be placed in front of the Patriots Hall of Fame, longtime team owner Robert Kraft said. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store