ESPN Radio legend Dan Davis, known as “The Duke” by friends and coworkers, has died at the age of 84. Davis was a founding member of ESPN Radio when it launched in 1992 and spent two decades as a Spor...
ESPN Radio legend Dan Davis, known as “The Duke” by friends and coworkers, has died at the age of 84.
Davis was a founding member of ESPN Radio when it launched in 1992 and spent two decades as a SportsCenter update reporter. Before joining the Worldwide Leader, Davis had already made his mark as the man on the call for Doug Flutie’s “Hail Mary” pass for Boston College against Miami in 1984 on WRKO/ABC Radio.
Boston College Football mourns the passing of Dan Davis, whose voice became part of the program’s history. From calling Doug Flutie’s iconic Hail Mary in 1984 to dozens of BC Football broadcasts, his legacy will forever be part of The Heights.
Davis’ call of Doug Flutie’s famous Hail Mary in 1984, courtesy of WRKO/ABC Radio
— Boston College Football (@BCFootball) October 21, 2026
At ESPN, several prominent figures from behind the mic shared their appreciation and remembrances of Davis.
“What a voice he had. What a great man he was,” said Mike Golic Sr. “I was happy to call him friend.”
The Golics then played Davis’s fantastic Hail Mary call.
“What a great call by Dan,” Golic Sr. said. “Still one of the favorite calls in the Boston area. … An incredible man with an incredible voice. 84 years old he passed away. Certainly, there are so many people who are still at ESPN Radio or had worked at ESPN Radio who are passing around texts now reliving our Dan ‘The Duke’ Davis moments. He was a special, special man.”
RIP to an @ESPNRadio legend, Dan “The Duke” Davis
https://t.co/kPjArUkd9X
— The Golics (@thegolics) October 21, 2026
Scott Van Pelt also paid tribute to Davis, referencing a recurring bit he had on his ESPN Radio show alongside Ryen Russillo, where Davis would read out hip hop lyrics as stoic spoken word to delightful results.
Of all the things we did on SVP & Russillo, The Duke raps was an all time favorite.
Dan “The Duke” Davis was the best. Not sure he got it initially, but @ryenarussillo got him to buy in and The Duke made it memorable. RIP to a legend. Love to his family and friends. https://t.co/H8UVEQczrH
— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) October 21, 2026
Other former coworkers shared their own memories of Davis after ESPN shared the news over social media.
Working with The Duke was one of the great honors and pleasures of my radio days. As great an update man as there ever was .. and one heck of a radio call on the Flutie Hail Mary pass for BC. Prayers to all those who were lucky enough to have Dan in their lives. The best!!
— MikeTirico (@miketirico) October 21, 2026
The Duke was a legend.
— Stanford Steve (@StanfordSteve82) October 21, 2026
He was one of one! From the moment the radio side of @espn began he and many others were in what we’d have to describe as a very large closet. In those days I’d occasionally fly in for some CFB Halftime and post game studio work. He’s call of the Flutiento Phelan Catch in 84’will live forever @BCFootball RIP Dan a true legend that loved his job and lived to his fullest.
— Tim Brando (@TimBrando) October 21, 2026
ESPN also shared some of the praise Davis’s coworkers offered him upon his 2011 retirement as a way to eulogize the broadcaster.
“He is the best update man sports radio has ever known,” said Mike Tirico. “No one delivers a story like Dan. Someone will work his shift, but no one will replace ‘The Duke.'”
“He’s got the best pipes in the business,” said Colin Cowherd. “The Duke even sounds good when he yawns.”
The post Tributes pour in for ESPN Radio legend Dan ‘The Duke’ Davis appeared first on Awful Announcing.
