Veteran sports commentator Al Michaels became visibly emotional while remembering longtime NBC broadcaster Dan Hicks, who died at the age of 64 following an acute illness.
Michaels paid tribute to his former colleague during Amazon Prime Video’s coverage of Thursday Night Football between the New York Giants and Washington Commanders, joining a growing number of broadcasting figures mourning Hicks’ sudden death.
Al Michaels Pays Emotional Tribute During NFL Broadcast
The 82-year-old commentator took a moment during a commercial break to acknowledge Hicks’ contribution to sports broadcasting and offer condolences to his family.
“All of us in the sports broadcasting business were shocked to learn this morning of the passing of Dan Hicks,” Michaels said.
He highlighted Hicks’ work covering golf, tennis, Notre Dame football and Olympic swimming, particularly his partnership with former Olympic swimmer Rowdy Gaines.
Michaels described Hicks as someone who brought exceptional skill and personality to his assignments, adding that his colleague had helped turn Olympic swimming commentary into an art form.
He also remembered Hicks as compassionate, humorous and enjoyable company before sending his condolences to the broadcaster’s wife, Hannah Storm, and their three daughters.
Michaels’ voice began to break towards the end of his remarks as he struggled to contain his emotions.
Mike Tirico Remembers Hicks as a ‘Broadcaster’s Broadcaster’
NBC’s Mike Tirico also paid tribute to Hicks on Thursday, describing him as a broadcaster whose ability to handle major sporting occasions set him apart.
Speaking on Golf Channel, Tirico praised Hicks’ performances during some of the most memorable moments in sporting history.
“He had more big moments on his plate, and nailed every big moment.
You can’t think of a big moment that Dan didn’t have the right call, the right energy, the right words,” Tirico said.
He specifically recalled Hicks’ coverage of Michael Phelps’ Olympic gold medals and the performances of American skiing athletes at the Winter Olympics.
Tirico, who presents NBC’s Sunday Night Football coverage, missed the previous week’s game because of illness.
Dan Hicks’ Family Confirms Sudden Death
Hicks’ death was announced by his family on Wednesday after he battled an acute illness.
No specific cause of death has been disclosed.
His wife, ESPN anchor Hannah Storm, released a statement on Thursday on behalf of herself and their three daughters, Hannah, Ellery and Riley.
The family described themselves as devastated by his sudden and unexpected passing, remembering him as a devoted husband of more than 30 years, a loving father and a cherished friend.
Storm also highlighted her husband’s ability to bring people together through his kindness, humour and personality.
She said Hicks made everyone around him feel valued and brought energy and laughter whenever he entered a room.
The statement concluded by thanking those who had offered support to the family during the difficult period.
Hicks Leaves Behind a Distinguished Broadcasting Career
A native of Tucson, Arizona, Hicks spent 34 years working for NBC Sports, becoming one of the network’s most recognisable voices across several major sporting events.
He covered the Olympics, PGA Tour competitions and Notre Dame football, while also calling NFL games for NBC between 1992 and 1998.
His broadcasting highlights included the United States swimming team’s comeback at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Tiger Woods’ dramatic putt that forced a playoff at the 2008 US Open.
Hicks also became a familiar presence in NBC’s golf coverage, serving as one of the network’s leading voices in the sport for 26 years.
NBC Sports Executives Honour Hicks’ Legacy
NBC Sports executives Rick Cordella, Sam Flood and Molly Solomon released a joint statement remembering Hicks’ contribution to the network and the wider broadcasting industry.
They described him as an exceptional colleague, friend and person whose storytelling and commentary elevated some of the biggest moments in sports history.
The executives highlighted his work across Olympic swimming, skiing, Notre Dame football and golf, praising his knowledge, enthusiasm, style and humour.
They also emphasised his character away from the cameras, recalling how he welcomed colleagues with smiles, jokes and words of encouragement.
The statement ended with condolences to Storm and their daughters, Hannah, Ellery and Riley.
