Prime Video play-by-play announcer Al Michaels became emotional Thursday night as he paid tribute to his former NBC colleague Dan Hicks, who died at 64 following an acute illness.
During the third quarter of the Giants' loss to the Commanders, Michaels remembered Hicks, known for his work broadcasting golf, Notre Dame football, and the Olympics, as a series of photos appeared on the "Thursday Night Football" broadcast. Michaels appeared to choke back tears as he spoke.
"All of us in the sports broadcasting business were shocked to learn this morning of the passing of Dan Hicks," Michaels said. "Dan joined NBC Sports in 1992, provided captions to so many iconic moments in golf, tennis and Notre Dame football, and he and Rowdy Gaines turned the calling of swimming at multiple Olympics into an art form."
Hicks' wife, "SportsCenter" anchor Hannah Storm, announced his death Thursday in a statement posted to social media, describing their family as "heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected passing" of Hicks. She noted his kindness, humor, and ability to bring people together.
Michaels added, "He was genial. He was compassionate. Great company. Had a world-class sense of humor. And on this very rough day for so many of us, we send our love to Hannah and your three daughters. Wishing you strength and comfort."
Hicks was scheduled to call Notre Dame's football game against Boston College on Saturday. He was part of NBC's broadcast team for numerous major sporting events, including Ryder Cups, Breeders' Cups, and multiple Olympic Games. He also covered tennis and college basketball for the network.
Among his most memorable calls were Tiger Woods' putt to force a playoff at the 2008 U.S. Open and the U.S. men's 4x100 medley relay team's gold medal victory at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Tributes to Hicks poured in from across the sports and sports broadcasting world, including from fellow Golf Channel commentators Roger Maltbie and Jimmy Roberts.