NBC Sports announcer Dan Hicks died at the age of 64 from an acute illness, silencing one of the most irreplaceable voices in sports and leaving a massive void for fans who grew up listening to him. Hicks had been with NBC since 1992, steadily working his way up to become a staple across countless broadcasts.
The Voice That Defined Generations
This guy was everywhere. If you watched sports in the last quarter-century, you heard Dan Hicks. He was the lead announcer for NBC’s golf coverage, the play-by-play guy for Notre Dame home games, a key voice on both Summer and Winter Olympic coverage, and even called a few NFL playoff games. Think about it: Hicks was on the call for some of the biggest moments from all-time greats like Tiger Woods and Michael Phelps. His voice was the soundtrack to history, painting pictures with words and making those moments unforgettable.
Iconic Calls: From Tiger to Lezak
When you talk about memorable calls, Hicks had them in spades. Who could forget the 2008 U.S. Open? Tiger Woods, gunning for his 14th major, came from behind to force an 18-hole playoff against Rocco Mediate. Woods birdied the 18th at Torrey Pines, and Hicks dropped the legendary line: “*Expect anything different?* Rocco, you’ve got Tiger for 18 holes tomorrow.” It was pure gold, capturing the absolute dominance of Tiger.
Then there was the 2008 Summer Olympics, where Michael Phelps was chasing history with eight gold medals. The 4×100 relay was the last event, with France heavily favored, and their guy Alain Bernard even guaranteed a win over the U.S. team. Phelps led off, so it was all on his teammates. And man, did they deliver! Jason Lezak anchored the U.S. squad, pulling off an insane comeback against Bernard in perhaps the most electric event in Olympic swimming history. Hicks’ call was just as epic: “*Here comes Lezak! Unbelievable at the end! He’s done it!*” You can still hear it.
Ryder Cup Drama and Unforgettable Finishes
Hicks wasn’t just about individual greatness; he captured team drama like no other, especially at the Ryder Cup. His last one was unforgettable. Team Europe pulled off one of the biggest upsets on U.S. soil, defeating the United States on their home turf. Europe held off a fierce U.S. rally, and it was Shane Lowry who clinched the cup with a clutch putt as the U.S. was closing the gap during Sunday Singles. Hicks roared, “*Shane Lowry has done it! Europe pulls off one of the biggest upsets on U.S. Soil!*” He knew how to bring the energy when it mattered most. Thirteen years prior, he was also on the mic for Europe’s incredible “Miracle at Medinah” comeback victory.
And let’s not forget J.J. Spaun’s 2025 U.S. Open win at Oakmont. Spaun needed two putts to win on the final hole but then sank a ridiculous 64-yard putt to seal the trophy, no second putt required. Hicks, of course, was there, shouting, “*How about one!*” He had a knack for being right there when history was made.
Dan Hicks leaves behind a legacy of iconic calls and a career that spanned nearly 35 years at NBC. He wasn’t just a voice; he was a companion for countless sports fans, guiding us through championship moments, underdog stories, and legendary performances. While his voice is gone, his unforgettable calls will live on, etched into the annals of sports history. We’ll be replaying these moments, and hearing him, for years to come.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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