Mike Patrick, a legendary sports broadcaster, spent 36 years at ESPN and became a household name as the play-by-play announcer for Sunday Night Football for 18 seasons.
Born on September 9, 1944, in Clarksburg, West Virginia, Mike Patrick’s journey to broadcasting stardom wasn’t paved with silver spoons.
A graduate of George Washington University with a degree in speech, Patrick stumbled into broadcasting almost by accident.
While in college, he spotted a flyer for WRGW, the university’s radio station, seeking sportscasters. “It sounded like fun,” Patrick recalled in a 2018 interview, “and fun was all I ever cared about.” That fortunate moment sparked a career that would span over 50 years.
Patrick’s early days were gritty.
In 1966, he landed his first gig at WVSC-Radio in Somerset, Pennsylvania, making his mark in the industry.
By 1970, he was named Sports Director at WJXT-TV in Jacksonville, Florida, where he called play-by-play for the Jacksonville Sharks of the World Football League and Jacksonville University basketball games.
His versatility shone as he juggled radio and television, honing the skills that would later make him a broadcasting icon.
In 1975, Patrick Joined WJLA-TV In D.C. As A Sports Reporter And Weekend Anchor
There, he covered University of Maryland football and basketball, as well as Washington Redskins preseason games.
His ability to capture the excitement of live sports caught the attention of networks, and by 1984, he was calling Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) games for Jefferson-Pilot Sports, working alongside color commentators like Kevin Kiley, Haven Moses, and Ken Willard.
In 1985, Patrick’s talent reached a national stage.
He called the Auburn vs. Georgia Tech game for CBS with Steve Davis and the Division I-AA National Championship between Georgia Southern and Furman for ESPN.
These opportunities were stepping stones to his big break at ESPN in 1982, where he would become a cornerstone of the network’s growth.
When Mike Patrick joined ESPN in 1982, the network was just three years old.
Over the next 35 years, he became one of its most versatile and beloved voices.
Patrick’s signature role was as the play-by-play announcer for Sunday Night Football from 1987 to 2005, alongside analysts Paul Maguire and Joe Theismann.
His catchphrases like “Holy cow!” and “Are you kidding me?” became part of the NFL fan lexicon, punctuating memorable moments.
He even called ESPN’s first-ever regular-season NFL game in 1987, establishing his place in broadcasting history.
Patrick called college football, including Thursday Night Football and Saturday Night Football, and partnered with analysts like Mike Gottfried and Todd Blackledge.
His college basketball work included 14 years of NCAA Women’s Final Four coverage (1996–2009), during which time he called 10 championship games won by coaching legends Pat Summitt or Geno Auriemma.
Patrick also lent his voice to the College World Series (2003–2014) and several NFL playoff games for ABC Sports..
One memorable moment came in 2007 during an Alabama-Georgia overtime game when Patrick, in a lighthearted aside, asked Todd Blackledge, “What is Britney [Spears] doing with her life?” The quip, referencing Spears’ tumultuous personal life, became a viral soundbite, showcasing Patrick’s humor and relatability.
Despite a brief hiatus in 2004 for heart bypass surgery, where Pat Summerall filled in, Patrick returned with the same passion.
His final ESPN broadcast was the AutoZone Liberty Bowl on December 30, 2017, capping a career that spanned countless iconic moments.
While Exact Figures Remain Undisclosed, Estimates Place His Net Worth In The $3 Million Range As Of 2025
This wealth stems from his long career at ESPN, where top play-by-play announcers often command salaries in the high six to low seven figures annually.
Additional income sources include his play-by-play work for Cleveland Browns preseason games (2015–2017) and voiceovers for video games like MVP 06: NCAA Baseball and MVP 07: NCAA Baseball.
Patrick’s induction into the Jacksonville University Hall of Fame in 2009 also highlights his marketability, potentially leading to speaking engagements or endorsements.
However, Patrick lived modestly. Known for his professionalism and lack of controversies, he focused on his craft rather than flashy ventures.
His West Virginia roots and Air Force service as a Second Lieutenant established a grounded perspective, likely influencing prudent financial management.
Mike Patrick, a West Virginia native, carried a fan’s enthusiasm into every broadcast, inspired by broadcasters like Harry Caray and Jack Buck.
His love for sports began as a young Cardinals fan, listening to games on KMOX Radio.
Patrick’s humor, like his Britney Spears comment, endeared him to audiences, while his meticulous preparation earned respect from peers.
Mike Patrick’s career was a masterclass in longevity and excellence. “No play-by-play commentator in ESPN history has accomplished more,” said ESPN Vice President Lee Fitting.
From his early days in Somerset to calling Super Bowls and national championships, Patrick’s voice defined generations of sports fandom.
While impressive, his net worth pales compared to the joy he brought fans.
As Patrick said upon retiring in 2018, “It’s wonderful to reflect on how I’ve done exactly what I wanted to do with my life.” For a man who lived for the thrill of the game, that was the ultimate victory.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Mike Patrick was married to Janet and lived in northern Virginia until his passing.
- Patrick passed away on April 20, 2025, at age 80 of natural causes in Fairfax, Virginia.
