Pat Summerall, iconic broadcaster, dies at 82

Published Apr. 16, 2013 5:53 p.m. ET

foxsports

Iconic broadcaster Pat Summerall, who died Tuesday at 82, was the voice of the NFL for generations of fans. Toward the end of his celebrated career, he contributed his trademark baritone to the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic.

Summerall became associated with the Dallas Cowboys after calling so many of their games for CBS and Fox, and also because he lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. His local associations were also included the AT&T Cotton Bowl.

After retiring from broadcasting NFL games for Fox following the 2002 season, Summerall was the television voice of the AT&T Cotton Bowl on Fox from 2007-2010.

One of Summerall's last assignments for Fox was serving as a special contributor for the 2011 AT&T Cotton Bowl during the game's 75th anniversary celebration.

"Pat was a great friend of the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic," said Rick Baker, President/CEO of the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association. "He set the standard for his profession and was always there for us whenever we asked for his support."

Summerall's ties to the AT&T Cotton Bowl actually began early in his broadcasting career. He was the color analyst for play-by-play man Chris Schenkel for the broadcast of the 1964 Cotton Bowl, and also shared the booth with Lindsey Nelson for the 1967 and 1968 Cotton Bowls.

Summerall played college football from 1949-51 for the University of Arkansas, then a member of the Southwest Conference, although he never played in the Cotton Bowl.

"His stature raised the profile of our game," Baker said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Cheri, and the entire Summerall family."

Follow Keith Whitmire on Twitter: @Keith_Whitmire