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Dan Hicks, the longtime NBC Sports broadcaster whose voice became synonymous with golf, Olympic swimming and Notre Dame football, has died at the age of 64. His wife, ESPN broadcaster Hannah Storm, and NBC Sports announced the news on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
According to a statement from Hicks’ family, he died late Wednesday in Connecticut after an “acute illness.” The sudden loss has prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues, athletes and fans who remembered him as both an exceptional storyteller and a deeply kind person.
Dan Hicks Dies at 64 After Acute Illness
Storm said the family was “heartbroken” by Hicks’ unexpected passing. The couple had been married for more than 30 years and shared three daughters, Hannah, Ellery and Riley.
“He was a devoted husband of over 30 years, loving father to our three daughters, and cherished friend to so many. His loss is immeasurable,” Storm said in a statement.
She described Hicks as someone who brought energy, laughter and people together whenever he entered a room. Storm also remembered his kindness, thoughtfulness and humor, saying he had a rare ability to make everyone feel valued.
A Powerful NBC Sports Career Spanning 34 Years
Hicks joined NBC Sports in 1992 and went on to build one of the most respected careers in American sports broadcasting. Over 34 years with the network, he worked across several major sports and championship events.
- Golf, including NBC’s PGA Tour coverage
- Notre Dame football
- NFL broadcasts from 1992 through 1998
- NBA coverage during the 1990s
- Sixteen Olympic Games
For more than two decades, Hicks served as one of the leading voices of NBC’s golf coverage. His steady delivery, sharp understanding of competition and conversational style made him a familiar presence during the sport’s biggest moments.
NBC Sports executives Rick Cordella, Sam Flood and Molly Solomon called Hicks an “extraordinary colleague, friend and person.” They said his knowledge, enthusiasm and humor informed and entertained viewers for decades.
Memorable Calls That Defined a Generation
Some of Hicks’ most celebrated work came during dramatic finishes in golf and Olympic swimming. In 2008, he and broadcasting partner Rowdy Gaines called the United States men’s comeback in the 4×100-meter freestyle relay at the Beijing Olympics.
The race remains one of the most memorable moments in Olympic swimming history. The American team overcame a significant deficit in the closing stages, creating a thrilling broadcast moment that fans continue to recall.
That same year, Hicks was behind the microphone for another iconic sports scene: Tiger Woods’ battle with Rocco Mediate at the U.S. Open. Woods sank a 12-foot putt on the 18th hole to force a playoff, and Hicks’ call became closely associated with the dramatic finish.
Hicks also received a Sports Emmy as part of NBC’s coverage of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. His work across golf, swimming and other events established him as one of the network’s most versatile and trusted announcers.
Tributes Pour In for Beloved Sportscaster
The PGA Tour said Hicks’ voice was woven into generations of golf memories. The organization praised his steady narration and noted that the warmth he brought to broadcasts was matched by the kindness he showed away from the camera.
Fans and fellow broadcasters also shared memories of Hicks’ most recognizable calls and his partnership with analysts such as Johnny Miller and Rowdy Gaines. Many described him as a broadcaster who elevated major moments without overpowering them.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Hicks’ family and NBC colleagues emphasized the personal qualities that made him so widely respected. He was remembered as welcoming, funny and encouraging—someone who made busy broadcast teams feel more connected.
His death leaves a significant void at NBC Sports and across the golf broadcasting community. For viewers, Hicks’ voice will remain tied to unforgettable Olympic races, dramatic golf finishes and decades of major sporting history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Dan Hicks?
Dan Hicks was a longtime NBC Sports broadcaster known for covering golf, Olympic swimming, Notre Dame football, the NFL and the NBA.
How old was Dan Hicks when he died?
Dan Hicks was 64 years old when he died.
What was the cause of Dan Hicks’ death?
His family said Hicks died after an acute illness. No further medical details were provided.
Who was Dan Hicks’ wife?
Dan Hicks was married to Hannah Storm, an ESPN broadcaster. They had three daughters together.
What were Dan Hicks’ most famous broadcasts?
Among his best-known calls were the 2008 Olympic 4×100-meter freestyle relay comeback and Tiger Woods’ dramatic 2008 U.S. Open putt against Rocco Mediate.
