Al Michaels Pays Emotional Tribute to Dan Hicks on Thursday Night Football

Al Michaels paused during Amazon Prime’s Thursday Night Football broadcast of the New York Giants-Washington Commanders game on November 12 to remember Dan Hicks, the NBC broadcaster who died at 64 after an acute illness. Hicks’s family announced his death on Wednesday; no cause was given in the account of his passing.

Michaels recalled Hicks’s work in golf, tennis, Notre Dame football and Olympic swimming, where he called events alongside Rowdy Gaines. His voice faltered as he sent condolences and support to Hicks’s wife, ESPN anchor Hannah Storm, and their three daughters.

Storm said the family was devastated by Hicks’s sudden death. She described him as a devoted husband, loving father and friend, and said he brought laughter and warmth to those around him.

Mike Tirico also paid tribute, calling Hicks a “broadcaster’s broadcaster” and praising his ability to deliver the right words and energy during major sporting moments. Hicks’s memorable calls included the U.S. swim team’s comeback at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Tiger Woods’s playoff-forcing putt at that year’s U.S. Open.

NBC Sports executives said Hicks had spent 34 years with the organization and had helped elevate major events, particularly golf coverage. They offered condolences to Storm and the couple’s daughters.