Legendary broadcaster Dan Hicks passed away suddenly earlier this week, and NBC Sports dedicated a touching tribute to him during Saturday’s Notre Dame-Boston College game.
He is 64 years old.
The network kicked off the pregame show with a monologue from NBC host Ahmed Faried, who called Hicks “a friend to a lot of people.”
“Today we are celebrating a man whose expertise, but more importantly his warmth and humor, will live on in everyone he knew,” Farid said. “So this is not just another game for us, not just another day. Today is a day where we remember and miss our friends.”
“Our staff in South Bend was hurt and still in disbelief, but they continued to do what Dan did. They made other people’s days a little better. If you met Dan, you would feel like a close friend.”
Notre Dame also paid tribute to Hicks at a press conference at the stadium before the game, according to Chuck Friebe.
The legendary broadcaster’s death coincided with his 35th year at the network.
He served as the lead play-by-play announcer for Notre Dame games from 2013-16 and returned to the broadcast booth in 2024.
Hicks would call Saturday’s game along with analyst Jason Garrett before his death.
He joined NBC in 1992 and served as the network’s chief golf play-by-play announcer for the past 26 years, while also covering 15 Olympic Games, the NFL and the NBA.
“Our family is heartbroken by Dan’s sudden passing due to an acute illness,” Hicks’ wife, “SportsCenter” anchor Hannah Storm, wrote on the X.
“He was a devoted husband for over thirty years, a loving father to our three daughters and a cherished friend to many. His loss is immeasurable.”
Storm said Hicks died of “acute illness.”
“Dan was truly one of a kind, and quite simply, he was the guy everyone wanted to be around,” Storm wrote. “When he walked into a room, he brought energy, laughter and people together. He was so kind, thoughtful and funny, and he made everyone feel important.
“Our three daughters and I are heartbroken. We are grateful for the love and support our family has given us during this extremely difficult time. There are simply no words to express how much we miss him.”