Today in history, On April 16, 2013 – Pat Summerall, American football player and sportscaster Died.

 Pat Summerall (1930–2013) was a legendary figure in American sports broadcasting, known for his iconic voice and calm, authoritative presence in the booth. Here's a look at his life and legacy:

Early Life and Background

Full Name: George Allen "Pat" Summerall

Born: May 10, 1930, in Lake City, Florida

Summerall grew up during the Great Depression and was raised by his aunt and uncle due to his parents' divorce.

He overcame a childhood disability,a club foot and went on to become a standout athlete.

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Football Career

Summerall attended the University of Arkansas, where he played football and basketball.

He was drafted in the 4th round of the 1952 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions but gained most of his fame as a placekicker with the Chicago Cardinals and New York Giants.

He played in the NFL from 1952 to 1961, appearing in The Greatest Game Ever Played (the 1958 NFL Championship Game).

Broadcasting Career

After retiring from football, Summerall transitioned to broadcasting, where he became even more famous.

He worked for CBS, Fox, and ESPN, covering NFL games, PGA Tour golf, NBA, and even tennis.

Summerall was best known for his long partnership with John Madden. Together, they formed one of the most beloved duos in sports broadcasting history.

His understated style balanced perfectly with Madden’s high-energy commentary.

He called 16 Super Bowls on TV and radio, and numerous Masters Tournaments and U.S. Opens in golf.

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Achievements and Honors

Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award (1994).

National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame.

Inducted into the American Sportscasters Association Hall of Fame.

Widely praised as one of the greatest sports broadcasters of all time.

Marriage and Family Life

Wife: Pat was married to Cheri Summerall, and they were together for over 50 years. Cheri was a private person who stood by Pat through the ups and downs of both his football and broadcasting careers.

Children: They had three children

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Jay Summerall

Kyle Summerall

Susan Summerall

         Susan Summerall childhood

Summerall was known to be a devoted father and grandfather later in life, though he admitted he wasn’t always emotionally present during the height of his career and struggles with drinking.

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Struggles with Alcoholism

Pat Summerall’s alcoholism became a serious problem, especially during the 1980s and early 1990s. By his own admission, he drank heavily even while on the job and it began to affect his health, relationships, and work.

He said he used alcohol to cope with the pressure and loneliness of the road.

Friends and colleagues noticed changes in his behavior, and his voice, once his greatest asset, began to deteriorate.

Eventually, with encouragement from close friends including Tom Brookshier and John Madden, Summerall checked himself into the Betty Ford Center in 1992.

Redemption and Faith

Summerall’s time at the Betty Ford Center marked a turning point.

He got sober and remained alcohol-free for the rest of his life.

During this time, he also had a spiritual awakening and became a born-again Christian.

He was baptized at age 69 by a Dallas pastor and began sharing his story openly to help others battling addiction.

He spoke at churches, events, and recovery centers, emphasizing that it’s never too late to change.

He wrote a memoir titled “Summerall: On and Off the Air” (2006), where he candidly detailed his rise, fall, and redemption. In it, he credited his family, faith, and support system for helping him reclaim his life.

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Legacy as a Family Man

In his later years, Summerall was deeply connected with his children and grandchildren. He made it a priority to be there for them, making up for lost time.

He also mentored younger broadcasters and athletes, becoming a quiet but powerful advocate for sobriety and grace under pressure.

Death

Date of Death: April 16, 2013

Cause: Cardiac arrest

He died at age 82 in Dallas, Texas, following complications from hip surgery.

Let me know if you'd like a quote from him or from others about him—he was truly respected across the sports world.