Milan-Cortina, Italy – As Mike Tirico navigates the unique challenge of calling the Super Bowl and hosting the Winter Olympics in the same week, the veteran broadcaster is reflecting on the foundations of his career. Tirico recently highlighted the profound influence of Hall of Fame announcer Marv Albert, crediting him with shaping the style of an entire generation of NBA play-by-play commentators, including himself, Mike Breen and Ian Eagle.
During an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show this past week, Tirico discussed how Albert’s approach extended far beyond memorable catchphrases. He described Albert’s ability to elevate pivotal moments and provide a comprehensive “30,000-foot approach” to game coverage as particularly impactful. This influence, Tirico explained, is evident in the work of many prominent NBA announcers today.
💻 @miketirico
Checking in from Italy, the @NBCSports voice went down memory lane about the @SportsCenter days, fresh with an epic 1997 team photo:
#Olympics pic.twitter.com/05imQ46CNW— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) February 19, 2026
“You have Mike Breen, Ian Eagle, myself… There’s so many other solid people who do the NBA at ESPN, Dave Pasch, Mark Jones, and everybody else, I’m not just picking out anyone, but just the guys who we’re familiar with, and to be back in the group of lead guys with Mike and Ian,” Tirico said. “We are all disciples of Marv. And there are pieces of the style of how Marv called the game in our own personality that in all three of us, you can hear.”
Albert’s broadcasting career spanned from 1967 to 2004, during which he served as the voice of the New York Knicks and the lead announcer for both the NBA on NBC and NBA games on TNT. He was inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2015, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer in sports broadcasting.
The “Sampling” of a Legend
Tirico likened Albert’s influence to that of Bill Walsh in the NFL, noting that his impact went beyond simply delivering play-by-play. He emphasized Albert’s ability to build anticipation and authentically elevate significant moments during a game. Tirico also acknowledged the influence of Chick Hearn, a longtime Los Angeles Lakers announcer, on broadcasters on the West Coast.
The 2025 Awfulies winner for best play-by-play announcer, a recognition from Awful Announcing, explained that while he deeply valued the lessons learned from Albert, he also prioritized developing his own unique style. “Steal what you think is great, but do it in your personality,” Tirico stated. “You can’t be a clone of someone because there’s only one Chris Berman, there’s only one Dan Patrick.”
This concept of adapting and personalizing influential styles was further described by Dan Patrick as “sampling,” a term Tirico readily agreed with. “Sampling, yeah, that’s it. It’s such a Dan term,” he responded.
A Legacy of Broadcasting Excellence
Tirico’s current workload – calling his first Super Bowl and simultaneously hosting the Winter Olympics – underscores his versatility and prominence in the world of sports broadcasting. He will return to NBA coverage following his Olympic duties, bringing with him the lessons learned from a broadcasting icon. The influence of Marv Albert continues to resonate through the voices of today’s leading announcers, shaping the way the game is presented to millions of fans worldwide.
As Tirico continues his career, the legacy of Marv Albert will undoubtedly remain a guiding force, inspiring future generations of sports broadcasters to find their own voice while honoring the standards set by a true legend.
What do you think about the influence of broadcasting legends on current announcers? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
