Jason Benetti Pays Tribute to Dan Hicks During Notre Dame vs. Boston College NBC Broadcast
What happened
Broadcaster Jason Benetti stepped in on short notice during NBC's Notre Dame vs. Boston College broadcast on November 14, 2026, to pay tribute to veteran commentator Dan Hicks following his sudden death.
The Context
* A sudden vacancy at the mic: Dan Hicks passed away unexpectedly at age 64 on November 12, 2026, prompting NBC Sports to bring in Benetti with less than 48 hours of preparation time. * A deliberate nod to legacy: Benetti opened the broadcast at Notre Dame Stadium by addressing the power of communal connection, later echoing Hicks' famous 2008 U.S. Open signature line following Notre Dame’s first touchdown. * Co-host collaboration: Former NFL coach and color commentator Jason Garrett partnered with Benetti throughout the game, contributing personal reflections to anchor the broadcast's tribute.
The Number
— The age of Dan Hicks at the time of his passing, marking the abrupt conclusion of a multi-decade network career that anchored premier golf, Olympic, and collegiate football coverage.
Takeaway
Expect major sports networks to reinforce their broadcast bench strength as live-media properties manage sudden succession plans without compromising flagship production quality.
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