NBC honored the life and career of veteran sportscaster Dan Hicks before Saturday’s broadcast of the Notre Dame and Boston College game.
Hicks, who worked for the network for over three decades, died Wednesday at age 64 following an acute illness, according to Yahoo Sports.
Studio host Ahmad Fareed opened the coverage by expressing condolences on behalf of colleagues who remain in shock over the loss.
Fareed noted that the network intends to celebrate a man whose expertise, warmth and humor left a lasting impact on everyone he knew, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
During the broadcast, play-by-play announcer Jason Benetti remarked on the somber atmosphere within the booth.
“I wish I wasn’t here right now,” Benetti said, adding, “I wish Dan was here right now,” according to Yahoo Sports coverage.
Jason Garrett, who served as a broadcast partner for Hicks since 2024, praised the announcer for his selfless approach to the profession.
Garrett recalled that Hicks always prioritized the moment and the people involved rather than his own profile.
“As legendary a broadcaster as he was, he was a better guy,” Garrett said, as cited by Yahoo Sports.
Jimmy Roberts, who collaborated with Hicks on golf coverage, introduced a video package highlighting a career that spanned from NFL broadcasts in 1992 to various Olympic sports.
Roberts narrated the tribute, which showcased Hicks’ versatility in calling football, tennis, and swimming events.
“He did it all because he could do it all,” Roberts said, per Yahoo Sports.
Hicks served as the voice of Fighting Irish football for seven seasons between 2013 and 2026.
The network noted that his legacy remains an integral part of the sports broadcasting landscape.