RIP, Pat Summerall

    The NFL player-turned-broadcaster was John Madden's longtime broadcast partner and the voice of a generation of football fans.

    The Dallas Morning News has learned that Pat Summerall, who called NFL games with John Madden for 21 years, has died.

    As an NFL kicker for parts of 10 seasons, Summerall had a personal experience with the game that's often missing from today's play-by-play men.

    Even before Madden, Summerall was the best broadcaster in football.

    View this video on YouTube

    youtube.com

    Here's footage from their first game together, in 1979.

    View this video on YouTube

    youtube.com

    In their prime, no pairing was better than that of Summerall and Madden. Their chemistry was unparalleled in American sports media.

    View this video on YouTube

    youtube.com

    Even in moments of great drama, Summerall was classy, understated, and never above the game. It was never about him.

    Summerall's voice had instant gravitas. (The Rocky IV soundtrack also helped in this case.)

    View this video on YouTube

    youtube.com

    He was also versatile, calling golf for CBS...

    View this video on YouTube

    youtube.com

    ...and tennis...

    View this video on YouTube

    ...as well as the 1974 NBA Finals.

    View this video on YouTube

    youtube.com

    In a nice moment years after Summerall's own 2002 retirement, he discussed John Madden's departure from the booth.

    View this video on YouTube

    youtube.com

    Pat Summerall: The best we'll ever hear.