NBC Sports’ Dan Hicks Dies at 64, Hannah Storm Says

Dan Hicks, the longtime lead play-by-play announcer for NBC Sports and a signature voice of PGA Tour coverage for 26 years, died on Wednesday at age 64.

His death followed an acute illness, according to a statement released by his wife, ESPN anchor Hannah Storm.

“Our family is heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected passing of Dan following an acute illness,” Storm said 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.”

Dan Hicks Began His Broadcasting Career

Hicks was born in Greenwich, Connecticut, and raised in Tucson, Arizona, where he graduated from the University of Arizona in 1984. He began his professional broadcasting career in local radio and television, including a stint as a weekend sports anchor for KVOA, the NBC affiliate in Tucson.

In 1989, he moved to Atlanta to work as a sports reporter for CNN. He joined NBC Sports in 1992, embarking on a 34-year tenure that would see him become one of the network’s most versatile and irreplaceable voices.

Transitioning to the national stage, Hicks served as a play-by-play announcer for the NFL on NBC from 1992 until 1998. He remained a contributor to the network’s football coverage throughout his career, including calling the 2014 AFC Wild Card Game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Kansas City Chiefs, a contest defined by a massive comeback. Hicks worked on the network's NBA coverage during the 1990s.

Open, The Open Championship, the Ryder Cup, and the Presidents Cup. His work chronicled the evolution of the FedExCup and the season-ending Tour Championship. Among his most iconic moments was his call of Tiger Woods’ dramatic birdie putt to force a playoff at the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines. “Expect anything different?” Hicks asked viewers as the ball dropped. “Rocco, you've got Tiger for 18 holes tomorrow.”

Hicks Covered Many Olympic Games

Beyond the golf course, Hicks was a staple of NBC’s Olympic coverage, contributing to 16 Olympic Games, 15 of which he served as a play-by-play announcer. His Olympic work began at the 1996 Atlanta Games and expanded to include eight consecutive Summer Games. He provided commentary for swimming, speed skating, and Alpine skiing.

During the 2008 Beijing Games, Hicks called the men’s 4×100 freestyle relay, a performance that kept Michael Phelps’ pursuit of eight gold medals alive. “Here comes Lezak!” Hicks exclaimed during the race’s final stretch. “Unbelievable at the end! He’s done it!” Hicks said.

In his winter sports assignments, Hicks called speed skating at the 2002, 2006, and 2010 Winter Olympics. He later shifted to Alpine skiing, serving as the lead voice for four straight Games from 2014 through 2026, including the recent Milan Cortina Games. Throughout this period, he covered the career of Mikaela Shiffrin, calling her gold medal performances in 2014, 2018, and 2026.

Hicks also maintained a deep connection to collegiate athletics as the lead play-by-play announcer for NBC’s Notre Dame football broadcasts. He was scheduled to call the upcoming November 14, 2026, home game against Boston College at the time of his passing. His tenure at Notre Dame included memorable contests, such as the 2012 triple-overtime victory over Pitt, where Hicks narrated a game-winning touchdown pass from Everett Golson to Ben Koyack.

Hicks Leaves Behind Family

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.” They further said that his “blend of knowledge, style, enthusiasm and humor informed and entertained fans for decades.

Hicks is survived by Storm, whom he married on January 8, 1994, and their three daughters: Hannah, Ellery, and Riley. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.