Pat Summerall Dies: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

Photo via CBS Sports

Pat Summerall, the legendary broadcasting partner of John Madden, has died at age 82, reports The Dallas Morning News. Sunmmerall had been suffering from numerous health issues over the past 10 years. In total during his career he called 16 Super Bowls.

Here’s what you need to know…

1. He was the Voice of the NFL

Summerall was the first recognized voice of the NFL as it made its move into the American mainstream in the 1980s and ’90s. He was most famous for his partnership with John Madden in broadcast booth, together the pair covered eight Super Bowls.

2. He Was A Football Prodigy

A native of Florida, Summerall was All-State in both high school football and basketball. After graduation he went to play for the University of Arkansas, he played at defensive end, tight end, and placekicker. He graduated from Arkansas in 1953.

3. He had a Distinguished NFL Career

He was drafted fourth round by the Detroit Lions in the 1952 draft but didn’t feature in his first season due to a broken arm. Summerall was traded to the Chicago Cardinals in 1953 and in 1957 he moved to the New York Giants where he stayed until 1961.

4. His Broadcast Career Began in 1962

After his retirement he began his broadcasting career at CBS in 1962, first as a color commentator before quickly moving on to being a play-by-play announcer. His first renowned partnership was with Tom Brookshier, with whom he called three Super Bowls, it wasn’t until 1981 when the Summerall/Madden partnership was born.

5. His Health Was Bad For the Past 10 Years

He was a recovering alcoholic. His years of drinking had led to a liver transplant in 2004, and since then his health had suffered. Summerall retired from broadcasting in 2002.