Pat Summerall

Pat Summerall — Life, Career, and Legacy

Discover the life of Pat Summerall (1930–2013), famed American NFL player turned broadcaster. Explore his career, broadcasting style, memorable moments, quotes, and lessons from his life.

Introduction

George Allen “Pat” Summerall (May 10, 1930 – April 16, 2013) was a prominent figure in American sports, first as an NFL player and later as one of the most respected sportscasters in history.

He became widely known for his calm, understated commentary voice, often paired with more vocal analysts (notably John Madden). Across decades, Summerall narrated some of the most iconic football, golf, and tennis broadcasts, influencing how sports were presented on television.

Early Life and Family

Pat Summerall was born George Allen Summerall on May 10, 1930 in Lake City, Florida.

Because of the difficult situation with his parents, there was consideration of placing him in an orphanage, but he was instead raised by an aunt and uncle, who began calling him “Pat” (some sources suggest they chose the name to match their own son’s name).

During childhood, Summerall showed athletic promise in multiple sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and tennis, at Columbia High School in Lake City, Florida.

Education & NFL Career

Summerall played collegiate football at the University of Arkansas from 1949 to 1951, where he took on positions including defensive end, tight end, and placekicker.

In the 1952 NFL Draft, he was selected in the 4th round (45th overall) by the Detroit Lions.

Over his professional playing career (1952–1961), he played for:

• Chicago Cardinals (1953–1957)

• New York Giants (1958–1961)

• And had a brief association with the Detroit Lions at the start

His role as a placekicker was especially notable, and one of his most remembered moments was a 49-yard field goal in terrible snow conditions on December 14, 1958, which kept his Giants’ season alive and forced a playoff for the conference championship.

In total, he attempted 212 field goals and made 100 (a 47.2 % success rate), and made 257 of 265 extra point attempts (≈ 97.0 %).

Broadcasting Career & Fame

Transition and Early Work

After retiring from playing, Summerall began his broadcasting career with CBS in the early 1960s.

He also covered major golf (Masters Tournament) and tennis (U.S. Open) events, becoming a prominent voice across multiple sports.

The Madden Partnership

One of the most iconic phases of Summerall’s broadcasting career was his long partnership with John Madden. Their pairing began in 1979 on a Minnesota Vikings–Tampa Bay Buccaneers game, and together they called games for 22 seasons through CBS and later FOX.

Summerall’s minimalistic, calm, and steady play-by-play style balanced Madden’s energetic, verbose commentary. This synergy made their broadcasts beloved by fans.

They covered numerous Super Bowls together. Summerall’s overall broadcasting portfolio includes calling 16 Super Bowls on television (more than anyone at his time) and 10 more on radio, as well as 26 Masters and 21 U.S. Opens.

Later Years & Retirement

When CBS lost NFL rights in the 1990s, Summerall and Madden moved to FOX and continued as lead announcers.

His final full season as a broadcaster was 2002, with his last broadcast call being the Patriots’ Super Bowl-winning field goal in Super Bowl XXXVI.

Even after retiring from regular broadcasting, he made guest appearances—for example at the Cotton Bowl—and did voiceover work (notably in the Madden NFL video game franchise).

Personal Life, Challenges & Beliefs

Summerall was married to Katherine Jacobs in 1955; they divorced in 1995. They had three children, one of whom is Susie Wiles (who later became a notable political consultant).

In 1996, he married Cherilyn Burns, and remained married to her until his death.

Summerall struggled with alcoholism earlier in life. Following treatment, he became a committed Christian and credited his faith with helping him recover.

In 2004, he underwent a liver transplant, which extended his life.

Health issues in later years included hip surgery, cataract surgery, and internal bleeding episodes.

Legacy & Awards

• In 1977, he was named National Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association.

• In 1994, he received the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award from the Pro Football Hall of Fame and was inducted into the National Sportscasters’ Hall of Fame.

• In 1999, he was inducted into the American Sportscasters Association Hall of Fame.

• In 2010, he was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

• Starting in 2006, the “Pat Summerall Award” has been presented annually during Super Bowl weekend to individuals who demonstrate character, integrity, and leadership, reflecting his legacy.

His legacy is also felt in how sports broadcasting evolved—the professionalism, tone, and balance of narration with analysis owe much to his style and long career.

Famous Quotes

Pat Summerall was known for speaking sparingly, often letting his voice carry gravitas in silence. But here are a few attributed or remembered lines:

• His final words calling the winning kick in Super Bowl XXXVI:

  “It’s right down the pipe. Adam Vinatieri. No time on the clock. And the Patriots have won Super Bowl XXXVI. Unbelievable.”

• On faith and alcoholism recovery:

  “My thirst for alcohol was replaced by a thirst for knowledge about faith and God. I began reading the Bible regularly at the Betty Ford treatment center, and it became a part of my daily life.”

These reflect his concise style and personal convictions.

Lessons from Pat Summerall

1. Mastery through restraint
   Summerall’s broadcasting success demonstrates how less can be more: his calm, economical delivery allowed moments on screen to breathe.

2. Reinvention is possible
   He transitioned from a solid but not superstar NFL career into an even more impactful second career in broadcasting.

3. Character matters
   His recovery from addiction and embracing of faith show that professional success and personal integrity can go hand in hand.

4. Partnership pays dividends
   His collaboration with John Madden demonstrates how complementary styles create enduring partnerships.

5. Legacy through standards
   The Pat Summerall Award underscores how personal consistency, leadership, and respect leave long-term marks beyond one’s active years.