Pat Summerall was an icon

Published 10:32 pm Tuesday, April 16, 2013

By Phil Hicks

It’s funny some of the things you remember growing up, whether it’s something Coach Coleman said in passing (tips on shaving) or something in Mrs. Rushing’s journalism class when we invariably got off subject (proper handshake).

But it sticks with you.

Perhaps it was in third grade or something from “M*A*S*H” or “Seinfeld” or your pastor — maybe not the main subject, but something that connected.

On Tuesday, I was out covering the Tyler First Aces tennis program when my colleague Joe Buie texted me that Pat Summerall had died.

I immediately thought that broadcasting had lost a giant.



If it was a big game or match, then Summerall was behind the mic.

The NFL kicker turned broadcaster had a knowledge of sports, rules and etiquette, and that deep, resonating voice gave you the feeling he knew what he was talking about. It was like your father was speaking directly to you from the broadcasting booth.

But back to what I was speaking of earlier, for all his greatness, when working for CBS toward the end of the game or even after another final round of The Masters or a John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors U.S. Open final, I remember he would say, “60 Minutes will be seen in its entirety following the conclusion of today’s … game, match, round.”

Like I said, it’s funny what you might recall.

Anyway, those words meant the weekend is about over and ready for school on Monday.

Summerall was my favorite announcer, staying calm while Tom Brookshier or John Madden were booming away.

The former University of Arkansas and New York Giants, Detroit Lions and Chicago Cardinals standout called 16 Super Bowls and 10 other Super Bowls as a radio contributor, along with multiple Masters and U.S. Open tennis tournaments.

He was so succinct in his play-by-play, plus a great storyteller. Today, it seems some announcers are talking about things happening at the concession stand or what they ate for dinner.

Summerall was always on subject, but he also brought humor and passion to the event.

When Summerall retired, former teammate and broadcaster Frank Gifford said, “America is very comfortable with Pat Summerall.”

Indeed.

America has lost an icon.