Legendary NBC Sports Broadcaster Dan Hicks Passes Away at 64
The iconic voice of Olympic swimming and PGA Tour golf dies following acute illness.
1Sudden Loss of Icon
Dan Hicks, a cornerstone of NBC Sports for 34 years, passed away on November 11 at age 64. His wife, ESPN anchor Hannah Storm, confirmed the death resulted from an acute illness. The couple shared three daughters, Hannah, Ellery, and Riley, during their marriage of over three decades together.
2Career at NBC Sports
After a three-year tenure at CNN, Hicks joined NBC in 1992. He became the network's lead play-by-play announcer for the PGA Tour in 2000. Over his extensive career, he covered diverse high-profile events, including Notre Dame football, the NBA, the NFL, and French Open tennis, establishing his reputation as a storyteller.
3Olympic Swimming Legacy
Hicks served as the primary play-by-play announcer for Olympic swimming starting with the 1996 Atlanta Games. Alongside commentator Rowdy Gaines, he narrated iconic moments, including Jason Lezak’s 2008 relay comeback. He famously called all 28 of Michael Phelps’ Olympic medals, spanning the athlete's legendary journey from 2004 through 2016.
4Winter Sports Coverage
Beyond summer events, Hicks expanded his range into Winter Olympics coverage. He provided commentary for speed skating in 2002, 2006, and 2010. Subsequently, he transitioned to alpine skiing, where he served as the lead voice for four consecutive Winter Games, covering the sport from 2014 until his final assignment in 2026.
5Signature Golf Moments
As the signature voice of NBC’s golf coverage for 26 years, Hicks presided over numerous historic tournaments. One of his most celebrated broadcasts was the 2008 U.S. Open, where he famously narrated Tiger Woods’ dramatic putt to force a playoff. His steady delivery became synonymous with the sport's biggest televised moments.
6Industry-Wide Tributes
Colleagues across the sports media landscape expressed deep sorrow following the news. Sage Steele described him as one of the kindest souls in the business, while Scott Hanson offered prayers for his family. NBC executives Rick Cordella, Sam Flood, and Molly Solomon praised his unique blend of knowledge, style, and humor.
7Personal Character Impact
Beyond his professional achievements, peers highlighted Hicks’ warmth and kindness. Hannah Storm noted that he brought energy and laughter into every room, making everyone feel valued. NBC Sports leadership emphasized that he frequently welcomed teammates with a joke or encouragement, often combining both in a single sentence to uplift others.
8Enduring Media Influence
Hicks’ death marks the end of an era for NBC’s sports broadcasting department. His 34-year tenure defined the network's coverage of major global events. As the industry mourns, his legacy remains tied to his ability to elevate high-stakes sports moments through his distinct narration and genuine, human-centered approach to reporting.
Original article: SwimSwam — Legendary NBC Sports Broadcaster Dan Hicks Passes Away at 64