On Notre Dame’s NBC broadcast, Jason Garrett pays heartfelt tribute to Dan Hicks after his death at 64

Hicks’ Notre Dame return

Dan Hicks, a longtime NBC Sports broadcaster, died this week at age 64 after an acute illness. His career included 35 years with NBC and prominent calls in golf and the Olympics.

Hicks called Notre Dame football from 2014 to 2016, then returned to the role in 2024. He and Jason Garrett worked together in the NBC booth during that second stint.

Benetti opens the broadcast

Hicks and Garrett had been scheduled to call Saturday’s Notre Dame game against Boston College. Following Hicks’ death, Jason Benetti took over the broadcast. Before kickoff, Benetti told viewers that the booth felt empty without Hicks. He said he wished Hicks could be there, adding that people across NBC felt the same way.

Garrett recalls their friendship

Garrett said Hicks’ most memorable quality was his focus on the people and moments around him, rather than himself. He described Hicks as a devoted husband, father and friend, as well as a generous booth partner.

Garrett recalled Hicks checking in with him and offering to help during broadcasts. He also remembered Hicks’ humor, storytelling and impressions, including performances of Tom Brokaw, Bob Costas and John Facenda.

A welcome for visitors

Garrett’s favorite memory involved Hicks welcoming visitors into the booth before Notre Dame games, even while preparing. Hicks showed families the spotting board, the telestrator and the view from the booth, then joined them for a team selfie.

Garrett said Hicks went out of his way to brighten people’s days and called being his partner and friend one of the greatest privileges of his life. Benetti noted that Garrett was smiling as he remembered Hicks.