Veteran NFL broadcaster Al Michaels struggled to contain his emotions as he delivered a heartfelt tribute to Dan Hicks, the NBC Sports voice who died suddenly at 64.
Hicks died Wednesday after suffering an acute illness, his family confirmed. No further details about the cause of death have been released.
The Tucson, Arizona, native built a distinguished career calling the Olympics, PGA Tour events and Notre Dame football. He also worked on NBC’s NFL broadcasts from 1992 through 1998.
During Amazon Prime Video’s Thursday Night Football broadcast of the New York Giants’ game against the Washington Commanders, Michaels used a commercial break to remember his longtime colleague.
‘Everyone in the sports broadcasting business was shocked to learn this morning of the passing of Dan Hicks,’ said Michaels, 82.
‘He provided the soundtrack to so many iconic moments in golf, tennis and Notre Dame football. Alongside Rowdy Gaines, he turned the calling of swimming at multiple Olympic Games into an art form.
Al Michaels became emotional while remembering Dan Hicks after the broadcaster’s sudden death
Hicks, pictured with his wife Hannah Storm, died Wednesday following an acute illness
‘He was genial, compassionate and wonderful company, with a world-class sense of humor. On this difficult day for so many of us, we send our love to Hannah and your three daughters. We are wishing you strength and comfort.’
Michaels’ voice began to break as he reached the end of the tribute, underscoring the depth of his emotion.
Hicks’ wife, ESPN anchor Hannah Storm, released a statement on behalf of herself and their daughters, Hannah, Ellery and Riley.
‘Our family is heartbroken by Dan’s sudden and unexpected passing following an acute illness,’ Storm said Thursday. ‘He was a devoted husband of more than 30 years, a loving father to our three daughters and a cherished friend to so many. His loss is immeasurable.’
‘Dan was truly one of a kind and, quite simply, the person everyone wanted to be around. When he entered a room, he brought energy, laughter and people together. He was endlessly kind, thoughtful and funny, making everyone feel that they mattered.
‘Our three daughters and I are heartbroken. We are grateful for the love and support surrounding our family during this incredibly difficult time. There are no words to express how deeply he will be missed.’
Mike Tirico, NBC’s Sunday Night Football play-by-play announcer who missed the previous week’s game because of illness, also honored Hicks on Thursday, describing him as a ‘broadcaster’s broadcaster.’
Speaking on Golf Channel, Tirico said: ‘He had more big moments on his plate than almost anyone, and he delivered on every one. You can’t think of a major moment Dan didn’t meet with the right call, the right energy and the right words.
‘Think of every Michael Phelps gold medal at the Olympics and Dan calling it. Think of the major moments on the slopes involving the great American skiers at the Olympic Games. Dan was the voice.’
Among Hicks’ most memorable calls were the United States swimming team’s comeback at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Tiger Woods’ dramatic putt to force a playoff at the 2008 U.S. Open.
NBC Sports executives Rick Cordella, Sam Flood and Molly Solomon also paid tribute to Hicks and reflected on his lasting influence.
Mike Tirico also offered an emotional tribute to his NBC colleague Dan Hicks
Tiger Woods, right, speaks with NBC’s Dan Hicks after winning the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta on September 23, 2018
‘Dan Hicks was an extraordinary colleague, friend and person,’ their statement said. ‘During 34 years at NBC Sports, he became an exceptional storyteller and caller whose work elevated some of the biggest moments in sports history.
‘From Olympic swimming and skiing to Notre Dame football, countless other high-profile events and, most notably, as the signature voice of our golf coverage for the past 26 years, Dan combined knowledge, style, enthusiasm and humor to inform and entertain fans for decades.
‘Yet beyond his excellence on the air, Dan was an even better person. He welcomed teammates with a smile, a joke or a word of encouragement—and sometimes all three in the same sentence.
‘Our heartfelt condolences and love go to his wife, Hannah, and his daughters, Hannah, Ellery and Riley.’