Mike Patrick, the legendary ESPN broadcaster whose voice became synonymous with college football, basketball, and some of the most dramatic moments in sports television history, passed away on April 20, 2025, at the age of 80. His death, attributed to natural causes, marked the end of an era for sports fans who grew up listening to his iconic play-by-play calls.
But Patrick was more than just a broadcaster. He was a husband, a father (though details about his kids remain private), and a man who once accidentally turned a college football game into a pop culture moment with a single, bizarre question about Britney Spears.
Let’s break down his incredible career, personal life, net worth, and that unforgettable on-air quirk that still gets talked about today.
The Voice of a Generation: Mike Patrick’s ESPN Career
RIP Mike Patrick 🙏🏻🕯️
A big-game play-by-play voice for ESPN and ABC, renowned for his NFL and college sports work
Here is Mike on the regular season debut of “ESPN Sunday Night NFL” — the first NFL regular season game ever aired on cable television.pic.twitter.com/16BGJ6dgj1
— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) April 22, 2025
Mike Patrick wasn’t just a broadcaster. He was THE broadcaster for ESPN during its rise to dominance in sports media. He spent 36 years with the network, from 1982 until his retirement in 2018, calling some of the biggest games in college and professional sports.
Sunday Night Football: The Original Voice
Long before Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth took over, Mike Patrick was the lead announcer for ESPN’s Sunday Night Football from 1987 to 2005. He worked alongside Joe Theismann and Paul Maguire, forming one of the most recognizable trios in NFL broadcasting.
The King of College Sports
While he was great at calling NFL games, Patrick truly shined in college sports. He was ESPN’s go-to guy for:
- ACC Basketball: He called over 30 ACC Tournament Championships, becoming the voice of March Madness for an entire generation.
- Women’s Final Four: From 1996 to 2009, he called 14 Women’s NCAA Final Fours, helping grow the popularity of women’s basketball.
- College World Series: From 2003 to 2014, he brought his signature energy to baseball, calling some of the most dramatic moments in Omaha.
His final ESPN broadcast was the 2017 Liberty Bowl, where Iowa State defeated Memphis 21-20. After that, he quietly stepped away, leaving behind one of the most respected legacies in sports broadcasting.
Personal Life: A Private Family Man
Mike Patrick was married to his wife, Janet Patrick, and the couple lived in Fairfax, Virginia, for decades. While he was a public figure, he kept his family life out of the spotlight.
There are no confirmed reports about how many children he had, if any. However, in tributes following his death, references to his “family” suggest he may have had kids. But unlike many modern celebrities, Patrick never put his personal life on display. He was old-school—focused on the game, not the fame.
Net Worth: How Much Did Mike Patrick Make?
Exact figures for his wealth are not publicly available, but given his 36-year tenure at ESPN and his role as one of the network’s top voices, it’s safe to say he was financially comfortable. At the time of his death in April 2025, Mike Patrick’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.
For comparison:
- Top ESPN broadcasters today (like Kirk Herbstreit and Chris Fowler) make millions per year.
- In the 2000s, veteran play-by-play announcers typically earned high six-figure to low seven-figure salaries.
Patrick wasn’t flashy with his money. He lived a relatively quiet life in Virginia, far from the glitz of Hollywood or New York media circles.
The Britney Spears Moment: A Broadcast Blunder That Went Viral
September 22, 2007: In the middle of OT between Georgia and Alabama, ESPN announcer Mike Patrick randomly asks what Britney Spears is doing with her life.
Todd Blackledge is practically speechless. pic.twitter.com/SFOk3FbNNJ
— This Day In Sports Clips (@TDISportsClips) September 22, 2022
No discussion of Mike Patrick is complete without mentioning the 2007 Alabama vs. Georgia game—a moment so random that it’s still talked about nearly 20 years later.
What Happened?
During overtime of a tense SEC matchup, with Georgia driving for a potential game-winning score, Patrick suddenly turned to analyst Todd Blackledge and asked:
What is Britney doing with her life?
The question was so out of left field that Blackledge, a former NFL quarterback, just laughed awkwardly before saying, “Uh… I don’t know, Mike.”
Why Did He Say It?
Patrick later explained that he was trying to lighten the mood during a high-pressure moment. At the time, Britney Spears was going through her very public breakdown—shaving her head, attacking paparazzi with umbrellas, and dominating tabloid headlines.
Some fans thought it was unprofessional. Others found it hilarious. Either way, it became one of the most memorable off-script moments in sports broadcasting history.
Cause of Death: A Peaceful Farewell
Longtime broadcaster Mike Patrick, who spent 36 years as a play-by-play commentator for ESPN and was the NFL voice for “Sunday Night Football” for 18 seasons, has died of natural causes at the age of 80. pic.twitter.com/4tg9CDfMNK
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) April 22, 2025
Mike Patrick died at his Fairfax, Virginia, home on April 20, 2025, at 80 years old. His passing was confirmed by ESPN, which released a statement calling him “one of the greatest voices in sports broadcasting history.”
The official cause of death was natural causes, meaning he likely passed in his sleep or from age-related complications. There were no reports of a long illness, suggesting he lived a full life right up until the end.
Rest in peace, Mike. The booth won’t be the same without you.
