Patrick, 69, worked for ESPN from 1989 until 2006 and stayed with ESPN Radio until 2007. Many were shocked at the time by his decision to leave, paving the way for his new show.

Patrick even defeated ESPN’s attempt at a smear campaign on his way out. Similarly, as marketable as the Dallas Cowboys are, Parsons’ career doesn’t depend on America’s Team.

Mike Patrick, the iconic voice of ESPN's 'Sunday Night Football' and a broadcasting veteran, has passed away at 80. Joining ESPN in 1982, he became a staple in sports coverage, from NFL games to ...

Mike Patrick, who spent 36 years as a play-by-play commentator for ESPN and was the network's first NFL voice for "Sunday Night Football," has died at age 80.

Patrick's iconic career began in 1982 when he joined ESPN as a play-by-play announcer. He was the face and voice behind ESPN's "Sunday Night Football" for 18 years, calling games from 1987 to 2005.