Veteran NFL broadcaster Al Michaels was visibly emotional as he delivered a heartfelt tribute to fellow NBC commentator Dan Hicks, who has died suddenly at 64.
Hicks died Wednesday after suffering an acute illness, his family announced. The exact cause of death has not been disclosed.
The Tucson, Arizona, native was widely known for calling Olympic events, PGA Tour tournaments and Notre Dame football. He also worked on NBC’s NFL broadcasts from 1992 to 1998.
During Amazon Prime’s broadcast of Thursday Night Football between the New York Giants and Washington Commanders, Michaels used a commercial break to remember Hicks.
‘All of us in the sports broadcasting business were shocked to learn this morning of the passing of Dan Hicks,’ said the 82-year-old Michaels.
‘He provided captions to so many iconic moments in golf, tennis and Notre Dame football, and he and Rowdy Gaines turned calling swimming at multiple Olympics into an art form.
Al Michaels was visibly emotional as he paid tribute to Dan Hicks after his sudden death
Hicks, pictured with his wife Hannah Storm, died Wednesday after suffering an acute illness
‘He was genial, compassionate and wonderful company. He had 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 wish you strength and comfort.’
Michaels’ voice began to falter near the end of the tribute as he struggled to contain his emotions.
Hicks’ wife, ESPN anchor Hannah Storm, released a statement on behalf of herself and their three daughters, Hannah, Ellery and Riley.
‘Our family is heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected passing of Dan following an acute illness,’ Storm said in a statement 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 and laughter and brought people together. He was endlessly kind, thoughtful and funny, and he made everyone feel that they mattered.
MORE ON THIS: DC doctor’s eerie confession after mold-and-mice rampage kills manager
‘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 simply no words to express how deeply he will be missed.’
Mike Tirico, who normally calls NBC’s Sunday Night Football broadcasts but missed last week’s game because of illness, also paid tribute to Hicks Thursday, describing him as a ‘broadcaster’s broadcaster.’
Speaking on Golf Channel, Tirico said: ‘He had more big moments on his plate, and he nailed every one of them. You can’t think of a major moment when Dan didn’t have the right call, the right energy and the right words.
‘Think about every Michael Phelps gold medal won in Olympic swimming, and Dan was calling it. Think about all the major moments on the hill with the great American ski athletes at the Olympic Games, and Dan was the voice.’
Among Hicks’ most memorable calls were the US swim team’s comeback at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Tiger Woods’ dramatic putt to force a playoff at the 2008 US Open.
NBC Sports executives Rick Cordella, Sam Flood and Molly Solomon also issued a statement honoring Hicks and reflecting on his influence.
Mike Tirico also delivered an emotional tribute to his NBC colleague Hicks after his sudden death
Tiger Woods (right) is interviewed by NBC’s Dan Hicks (left) after winning the TOUR Championship on September 23, 2018, at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta
‘Dan Hicks was an extraordinary colleague, friend and person,’ the statement said. ‘During his 34 years at NBC Sports, he was an exceptional storyteller and caller of games and events who elevated some of the biggest moments in sports history.
‘From Olympic swimming and skiing to Notre Dame football, numerous other high-profile events and, especially, as the signature voice of our golf coverage for the past 26 years, Dan’s combination of knowledge, style, enthusiasm and humor informed and entertained fans for decades.
‘But beyond his excellence on air, Dan was an even better person. He welcomed teammates with a smile, a joke or a word of encouragement—sometimes all three in the same sentence.
‘Our heartfelt condolences and love go to his wife Hannah and his daughters Hannah, Ellery and Riley.’
