Mike Patrick, Longtime ESPN Play-by-Play Man, Dies at 80

Mike Patrick, a beloved sportscaster known for announcing NFL games and ACC basketball matches over his 36-year career at ESPN, has sadly passed away at the age of 80.

It was confirmed on Sunday that Patrick passed away due to natural reasons, according to officials from his birthplace, Clarksburg, West Virginia.

Patrick commenced his career at ESPN in 1982, eventually becoming the commentator for their Sunday Night Football broadcast, primarily working with Joe Theismann and Paul Maguire from 1987 to 2005 (he was part of the network’s inaugural NFL game). He decided to retire two months after concluding his work on the Liberty Bowl telecast on December 30, 2017.

For over three decades, he’s been the voice behind more than thirty ACC basketball championships, partnering with analyst Dick Vitale in countless historic clashes between Duke and the University of North Carolina. Additionally, he served as the anchor for Women’s Final Four events from 1996 to 2009.

He warmly opened each telecast with, “It’s great to have you with us.”

In a statement, ESPN’s content president, Burke Magnus, noted that Mike Patrick, who has called numerous major events throughout decades at ESPN, is among the most impactful voices we’ve ever had on-air.

On Thursdays and Saturdays during those years (from 2003-14), Patrick was the play-by-play commentator for college football games on ESPN. Additionally, he covered the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. His work extended beyond sports broadcasting; he also participated in commentating the British Open golf tournament for a couple of years.

Patrick was born on September 9, 1944, in Clarksburg. Growing up, he resided in the Chestnut Hills part of the city and eventually graduated from Washington Irving High School. Kicking off his career, he worked at the college radio station WRGW, which is located at George Washington University. Here, he earned a bachelor’s degree in speech arts. In 1966, he secured a radio job at WVSC, situated in Somerset, Pennsylvania.

In the year 1970, he began working as the sports director at WJXT-TV station located in Jacksonville, Florida. He was responsible for providing commentary during the broadcasts of the Jacksonville Sharks’ World Football League matches and Jacksonville University’s basketball games.

After five years had passed, he transitioned to WJLA-TV in Washington, taking on the role of both a sports reporter and weekend anchor. During this time, he also covered University of Maryland football and basketball games before moving on to ESPN.

He also worked NFL preseason games for Washington and Cleveland during his career.

Clarksburg city officials expressed in a statement that Mike Patrick’s voice may no longer be heard, but his status as an exceptional American sportscaster and cherished Clarksburg native will live on. His absence will undoubtedly be felt by his coworkers, friends, supporters, and the community of Clarksburg, who held him dear.”

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“In a statement, the City of Clarksburg acknowledged that Mike Patrick’s voice is now silent, but his reputation as one of America’s finest sportscasters and a beloved Clarksburg resident will continue to thrive. His loss will be keenly felt by his peers, friends, fans, and the community of Clarksburg above all others.

Survivors include his wife, Janet.

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2025-04-23 18:54