A Tribute To Pat Summerall

By: Tom Millikan

Legendary sports announcer Pat Summerall passed away on Tuesday at the age of 82. Summerall was best known for his days calling NFL football for both CBS and Fox.

Summerall and John Madden's last game together was Super Bowl XXXVI. The Patriots upset the Rams 20-17 on Adam Vinatieri's field goal as time expired. This was the first Super Bowl after 9/11. Check out the game open and tribute by Summerall, as well as the final drive by Tom Brady to win the game.

Summerall and Madden called Super Bowl XVI making the pair the broadcasting duo for both Joe Montana and Tom Brady's first Super Bowl triumphs. Below is the opening to Super Bowl XVI held at the Pontiac Silverdome.

Summerall and Madden did not call too many Lions games because of the team's poor records throughout the years. However, they did visit the Silverdome in these two classics:

• 1981 Lions beat the Cowboys 27-24 with too many men on the field

• 1991 Lions beat the Cowboys 38-6. It is the Lions only playoff win since 1957

Summerall and Madden's last great call was the 49ers dramatic victory over the Packers in the 1998 NFC Wildcard. Brett Favre, Steve Mariucci, Steve Young and Terrell Owens were all present.

Finally, part of what made Summerall and Madden great was what they talked about during a blowout. Check out their chemistry here (note: scroll to the :44 second mark)

Rest in peace Mr George Allen 'Pat' Summerall.