Ideally, every College Football fanatic wants to be omnipresent at the stadium on Saturdays. Cheering their favorite team in the flesh amongst their kin. Living and breathing every down, every series amid some of the best atmospheres sports have to offer. But that’s not realistic. Most people consume the action vicariously through the TV. So the people on the mic, tasked with permeating the emotions through the screen, are uniquely important. The commentary and voice that goes along with a big highlight becomes the soundtrack to some of the best moments in a sports fan’s life. Sportscasters are unsung heroes. They don’t need to physically take to the gridiron to have an impact. Unfortunately, the football world has just lost an iconic figure in the booth.

Mike Patrick graced microphones at some of the most iconic stadiums in the sport. Across 4 decades, he was a great ambassador for football and elevated every broadcast he was a part of. Patrick is synonymous with certain plays and is best known for his time with ESPN and ABC as a play-by-play announcer. He was a mainstay on Sunday Night Football from 1987 to 2005. Simultaneously, he made his first foray into College Football media. A natural on the call and a football savant, he transitioned across seamlessly between the pro and collegiate game. From ‘09 through to ‘18, Mike Patrick worked in CFB full-time. Before calling it a day on a storied career. 7 years on, Patrick has passed away. Amidst a very sombre mood across the board, people have offered their prayers and words of solace.

Although he had to remain neutral when calling games, Virginia native Mike Patrick was a huge fan of the West Virginia Mountaineers. His initial years covering CFB coincided with some of the best years in WVU history. That would be Rich Rodriguez’s first stint in Morgantown, when the program was a consistent championship contender. This only deepened Patrick’s love for the Mountaineers. It was apparent at the time as well. After learning of his passing on Easter Sunday, WVU Athletics’ director of content John Antonik relayed the news on X, along with a lot of praise and his sincere condolences.

“Was passed along the very sad news from former broadcasting colleague Kevin Kiley that Mike Patrick passed away on Easter Sunday. Although Mike didn’t attend WVU, he was an unapologetic Mountaineer supporter and one of the great broadcasters to ever call college and pro sports.” wrote John Antonik. This isn’t just a loss for WVU. But actually every football fan who was ever touched by Mike Patrick’s work. The wider football realm came together to celebrate Patrick and give him his flowers for an illustrious career and life.

Social media sphere sends love and condolences after Mike Patrick’s demise

“Another legendary voice from 90s and 2000s CFB is gone. Along with many years teamed with Joe Theismann on Sunday night NFL,” said one person in the quotes of Antonik’s initial post. This tragic news follows on from fellow media icon Lee Corso announcing his retirement. That’s what is implied in the comment. The legends are bidding adieu to a media landscape they moulded and a culture they cultivated.

“So sad to hear this. What a spectacular person Mike was, and one of my favorite announcers. He and Dick Vitale on Duke/North Carolina and ACC basketball games formed my childhood.” read another tribute to Mike Patrick. Aside from football,  he also carried his eminence over to the hardwood. One person commented, “Sorry to hear about the death of Mike Patrick. He was a truly talented play-by-play announcer.”

“Mike Patrick is an absolute legend. And a True Mountaineer. Godspeed Mr. Patrick,” said another. These sentiments were also echoed in “He definitely loved WVU. RIP Mike.” The full details of what caused Mike Patrick’s passing are inconspicuous at this time. Hopefully, his family and loved ones can be afforded some privacy during this time. They’d love to see the outpouring of love that has come about in the backwash. Mike Patrick was truly a revered figure. May his soul rest in peace.