Pat Summerall, an American television sportscaster and football player, had a remarkable career working for leading news portals such as CBS and Fox. With his expertise, he announced 16 Super Bowls and covered numerous golf and tennis events. Hailing from Lake City, Florida, Pat’s passion for American football led him to excel as a player from a young age. After playing at high school and college level, he embarked on a professional football career in the National Football League as a Placekicker. Notably, he was drafted by the Detroit Lions and played for teams like the Chicago Cardinals and New York Giants, even earning the title of NFL Champion in 1952. Transitioning from the game, Pat ventured into radio hosting before making his mark in television broadcasting, starting with Fox News Channel. His talent and popularity as a sportscaster continued to soar as he collaborated with major American media giants like CBS, ESPN, and Fox Sports. Sadly, Pat Summerall passed away on April 16, 2013, at the age of 82 due to cardiac arrest.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: George Allen Summerall
- Died At Age: 82
- Family: Spouse/Ex-: Cherilyn Burns, Kathy Jacobs (m. 1955–1995)
- Born Country: United States
- Sportscasters
- Sports Commentators
- Height: 6’4″ (193 cm), 6’4″ Males
- Died on: April 16, 2013
- Place of Death: Dallas, Texas, United States
- Grouping of People: Christians
- Cause of Death: Cardiac Arrest
- Notable Alumni: University Of Arkansas
- U.S. State: Florida
- Education: University of Arkansas
Childhood & Early Life
Pat Summerall, born George Allen Summerall on May 10, 1930, in Lake City, Florida, had a challenging childhood. His parents separated before he was born, leaving him to be raised mostly by his grandmother. At one point, his aunt considered putting him in an orphanage, but the family decided to raise him themselves. Pat was born with a deformed foot and had to undergo surgery to be able to walk without trouble. Despite being told he could never run or play sports, Pat developed an interest in sports during his high school years. He attended the University of Arkansas and excelled in football, leading him to pursue a career in professional football.
Career
During his high school years, Pat played tennis, football, baseball, and basketball. He eventually chose football as his main sport and entered the NFL draft in 1952. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions but broke his arm during a pre-season game, ending his rookie season aspirations. He was then signed by the Chicago Cardinals in 1953 and played with them for five seasons before being let go in 1957. He was picked up by the New York Giants and made his debut in the 1958 season. Pat became a part of the historic “greatest game ever played” between the Giants and Baltimore Colts in 1958, which popularized the NFL among average Americans. He retired from playing football in 1961.
Sports Broadcasting Career
After retiring from football, Pat pursued a career in sports broadcasting. He appeared on radio shows in New York City in the early 1960s and hosted various sports shows. In 1962, he was hired by CBS sports as a color commentator for NFL matches. He later joined NBC and covered Superbowl III. Pat had a long-term association with CBS and also covered ABA games for them. In 1994, he was hired by Fox Sports to do commentary for NFC games. He has also worked with Star Sports and ESPN. Pat received several accolades for his broadcasting career, including being named the National Broadcaster of the Year in 1977 and being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.
Family, Personal Life & Death
Pat Summerall struggled with alcoholism throughout his life and underwent a liver transplant in 2004 due to health issues caused by excessive alcohol consumption. He also had a hip replacement and cataract surgery. Pat was married twice, first to Kathy Jacobs in 1955, with whom he had three children, and then to Cherilyn Burns in 1996. He passed away from cardiac arrest on April 16, 2013, at the age of 82.