Arizona native, Wildcats alum, NBC sportscaster Dan Hicks dies
· Yahoo Sports
University of Arizona alum Dan Hicks, 64, a broadcaster who called some of the leading iconic games and events over several decades, died Wednesday, Nov. 11, after an "acute illness," according to his wife, ESPN sportscaster Hannah Storm.
Our family is heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected passing of Dan following an acute illness,” Storm wrote in a statement. “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. ...
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“Our three daughters and I are heartbroken. We are grateful for the love and support surrounding our family during this incredibly difficult time. These are simply no words to express how much he will be missed.”
— Hannah Storm (@HannahStormESPN) November 12, 2026
Hicks was at the mic in Beijing for the 2008 Olympic Games and called the Michael Phelps relay race as the United States team won the 4x100-meter freestyle.
Over his 30+ years at NBC, Hicks handled major golf events on the PGA Tour and had the play-by-play role for Notre Dame Fighting Irish football games.
Hicks was set to provide play-by-play on Saturday, Nov. 14, for the Irish home game against Boston College.
A Tucson native, Hicks graduated from UA in 1984.
At the dailywildcat.org site, Hicks' self-written intro talked about his early years:
"Soon after I started school at the UA it became a goal of mine to become a sportswriter for the Wildcat. Since I grew up in Tucson, I already knew of its great reputation as much more than just a student publication. There were several instances where the Wildcat was breaking news around campus while the other local papers were following their lead. I finally broke through my junior year and the experience I got was the kind no classroom could provide. It led me to a variety of contacts which in turn helped me get launched into the real world of broadcasting. Practical experience is key in my profession and having it while still in college was invaluable."
Social media was flooded with tributes to Hicks.
Damn. RIP Dan Hicks. What a legend in his profession. Elite from major championship golf, to the Olympics & more.
— TJ Eckert (@TJEckertKJRH) November 12, 2026
His call of “Expect anything different?” after Tiger Woods made this putt at the 2008 U.S. Open is all time.
The voice of countless moments. pic.twitter.com/u3vsjXnO67
Dan Hicks was an extraordinary colleague, friend and person. In his 34 years at NBC Sports, he was an exceptional storyteller and caller of games and events who elevated some of the biggest moments in sports history.
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) November 12, 2026
From Olympic swimming and skiing to Notre Dame football,… pic.twitter.com/BNUBq4Crl7
Dan Hicks, longtime lead golf play-by-play announcer for NBC Sports, has died following an acute illness. He was 64.
— PGA Tour (@PGATour) November 12, 2026
Across three decades, Hicks provided the soundtrack to some of golf’s most memorable moments. The Arizona native joined NBC in 1992 and assumed the network’s… pic.twitter.com/eQWJPT0SGF
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona native, Wildcats alum, NBC sportscaster Dan Hicks dies