Dan Hicks – NBC News Anchor Celebrates 10 Years On-Air in April 2025
Dan Hicks has been a staple of NBC Sports broadcasting for decades, covering everything from Notre Dame football to Olympic swimming. As NBC’s lead golf play-by-play commentator, Hicks has delivered countless memorable calls. He also served as the voice for skiing and swimming during the network’s Olympic coverage. His versatile broadcasting skills have made him one of the network’s most reliable on-air personalities.
Before joining NBC, few could have predicted the staying power Hicks would demonstrate. Now with a career spanning over 30 years with the network, he’s become one of the most recognized voices in sports broadcasting. When viewers tune in to The Players Championship or hear swimming coverage during the Summer Olympics, Hicks’ steady delivery has become synonymous with the biggest moments in sports.
Away from the microphone, Hicks maintains a modest social media presence where fans can catch glimpses of his life outside the broadcast booth. His Instagram and Facebook accounts show a broadcaster who’s balanced his professional duties with personal life, a rarity in the demanding world of sports media.
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Biography of Dan Hicks
Dan Hicks has built an impressive broadcasting career spanning decades, becoming one of the most recognizable voices in sports television through his work with NBC Sports.
Early Life and Education
Born John Daniel Hicks on June 2, 1962, in Tucson, Arizona, Dan developed an early passion for sports and broadcasting. His childhood in the Southwest shaped his future career aspirations, with Hicks reportedly setting his sights on NBC Sports from a young age.
He attended Sabino High School in Tucson, where he likely first explored his interest in sports media. Following high school, Hicks continued his education at the University of Arizona, his hometown university.
At Arizona, he honed his broadcasting skills and built the foundation for his future career. His college years provided valuable experience through university media channels and local opportunities that would prepare him for professional journalism.
Journalism Career Beginnings
Hicks began his professional journey at KVOA, the NBC affiliate in Tucson. This local station gave him his first significant broadcasting experience, allowing him to develop his on-air presence and reporting skills.
During these formative years, Hicks covered local sports events and built a reputation as a talented young broadcaster. His work at KVOA served as a crucial stepping stone, demonstrating his ability to connect with audiences and deliver compelling sports coverage.
The experience gained in local television prepared him for bigger opportunities. Before joining NBC Sports, Hicks also spent time at CNN, further expanding his broadcasting experience and national exposure.
His early career showed the persistence and talent that would eventually lead to his breakthrough at a major network.
Rise at NBC Sports
Hicks joined NBC Sports, where he would make his most significant career impact. His versatility quickly became apparent as he covered various sports for the network.
He established himself as a premier golf commentator, becoming the play-by-play voice for NBC’s golf coverage. Hicks has called numerous major tournaments, including multiple U.S. Opens and Ryder Cups, with his smooth delivery and knowledgeable commentary becoming signatures of NBC’s golf broadcasts.
Beyond golf, Hicks has handled play-by-play duties for Notre Dame college football. His work during Olympic broadcasts has further cemented his status as one of NBC’s most valuable sportscasters, covering swimming events across multiple Olympic Games.
His longevity at NBC speaks to both his talent and professionalism, maintaining his position as a top broadcaster for decades.
Personal Life
Hicks married fellow sportscaster Hannah Storm, creating one of sports media’s most notable power couples. Their relationship brought together two respected voices in sports broadcasting.
The couple has three daughters together, balancing their high-profile careers with family life. Despite his prominence in sports media, Hicks has generally maintained privacy regarding his family, focusing public attention on his professional work rather than personal matters.
His decades-long career demonstrates remarkable stability in the often volatile world of sports broadcasting. While maintaining his broadcasting schedule, Hicks has established himself as one of the most enduring voices in American sports television.
Dan Hicks’s Broadcasting Career
Dan Hicks has built an impressive broadcasting career at NBC spanning decades, becoming one of the network’s most versatile and respected voices across multiple sports while establishing himself particularly in golf and Olympic coverage.
Play-by-Play Commentator
Dan Hicks began his broadcasting journey at KVOA-TV, NBC’s affiliate in Tucson, where he worked as a sports anchor and reporter. This early experience laid the foundation for what would become a stellar career in sports broadcasting.
His exceptional reporting skills caught NBC’s attention, leading to his move to the network in 1989. Since then, Hicks has become one of NBC Sports’ most reliable and talented play-by-play commentators.
Hicks’s commentary style combines thorough preparation with a smooth delivery that never overwhelms the action. He’s known for providing clear context while avoiding unnecessary chatter during key moments of competition.
His versatility as a broadcaster has allowed him to seamlessly transition between different sports throughout his 30+ year career at NBC.
Olympic Coverage
Olympic broadcasting has become one of Hicks’s specialties, with his voice becoming synonymous with swimming and winter sports coverage. He’s been NBC’s lead swimming commentator for multiple Summer Olympics, working alongside analyst Rowdy Gaines.
Their partnership during Michael Phelps’s historic Olympic performances created some of the most memorable broadcasting moments in recent Olympic history. Hicks’s calm but enthusiastic calls perfectly captured the drama of Phelps’s record-breaking achievements.
For Winter Olympics, Hicks has expertly handled play-by-play duties for alpine skiing and speed skating events. His knowledge of these sports and ability to explain technical aspects to casual viewers has made him a valued part of NBC’s Olympic team.
| Olympic Games | Sports Covered by Hicks |
|---|---|
| Summer | Swimming, Diving |
| Winter | Alpine Skiing, Speed Skating |
| Total Games | 12+ (Summer and Winter) |
Football and Basketball Commentary
In 2024, NBC announced Hicks’s return as the lead play-by-play commentator for Notre Dame Football, a role he previously held from 2013 to 2016. This appointment demonstrates NBC’s continued confidence in his abilities to handle premier properties.
During his previous Notre Dame tenure, Hicks brought a measured, insightful approach to Irish football broadcasts. His chemistry with color analysts helped viewers understand the strategic elements of games while maintaining excitement during big plays.
Hicks has also contributed to NBC’s NFL coverage, including playoff games during Wild Card Weekend. His football commentary reflects his broader approach – well-researched but conversational, detailed without being overwhelming.
His basketball work has been more limited but equally competent, demonstrating his adaptability across different sporting environments and pacing.
Hosting Major Golf Tournaments
Golf coverage has become Hicks’s most recognizable broadcasting role. Since 2000, he has served as NBC’s lead golf play-by-play announcer, covering the sport’s biggest events.
Hicks has been the voice of numerous U.S. Opens, The Players Championships, and Ryder Cups. His coverage of these prestigious tournaments has made him one of golf’s most recognizable broadcasters alongside analysts like Johnny Miller and more recently, Paul Azinger.
The Ryder Cup has been a particular highlight of Hicks’s golf broadcasting career. The unique team format and intense patriotic atmosphere play to his strengths in capturing both the technical aspects and emotional stakes of competition.
His golf commentary is characterized by extensive knowledge of courses, players, and tournament history, which he weaves seamlessly into broadcasts without overwhelming viewers.
Other Sports Involvements
Beyond his primary assignments, Hicks has demonstrated remarkable versatility by covering a wide range of additional sports for NBC. His adaptability has made him one of the network’s most valuable broadcasting assets.
He has provided commentary for LPGA Tour events, bringing the same level of preparation and insight to women’s golf as he does to men’s tournaments. This consistency across assignments has been a hallmark of his broadcasting approach.
During Olympic coverage, Hicks has occasionally called gymnastics and diving events in addition to his regular swimming duties. His ability to quickly master the terminology and judging criteria of these technical sports showcases his professionalism.
Hicks’s broadcasting journey reflects his adaptability and commitment to excellence across multiple sports platforms while maintaining his signature clear, informative style.
Influence and Legacy
Dan Hicks has shaped sports broadcasting at NBC through his distinctive voice, professional partnerships, and journalistic approach. His career spans decades of memorable moments that have become part of sports television history.
Impact on NBC Sports
Dan Hicks has become one of network television’s most respected sports journalists since joining NBC. His steady presence has defined the network’s coverage across multiple sports platforms.
As NBC’s lead play-by-play commentator for golf tournaments, Hicks has called numerous dramatic moments at major championships. His voice has become synonymous with the network’s golf coverage.
Hicks has also made a significant mark on Olympic broadcasting. His swimming commentary alongside analyst Rowdy Gaines has captured some of the most iconic moments in Olympic history, including multiple Michael Phelps gold medal performances.
In college football, Hicks has elevated NBC’s Notre Dame coverage. He previously held the lead play-by-play role from 2013 to 2016 and recently returned to this position in 2024, bringing continuity and expertise to the broadcast.
Partnerships with Analysts and Co-Hosts
Hicks has formed several memorable broadcasting partnerships throughout his NBC career. His chemistry with these colleagues has enhanced viewer experience across different sports.
His long-running partnership with Rowdy Gaines for Olympic swimming has created one of sports television’s most recognizable commentary duos. Their excitement and technical knowledge have educated audiences about the sport’s nuances.
In golf, Hicks worked alongside Johnny Miller for many years before partnering with Paul Azinger. These pairings have delivered insightful analysis and comfortable conversation that viewers appreciate during tournament broadcasts.
His Notre Dame football partnerships have similarly strengthened NBC’s college football presence. Hicks’ ability to set up his analysts while maintaining the broadcast’s flow demonstrates his skill as a lead commentator.
Contribution to Broadcast Journalism
Hicks has elevated sports broadcasting through his preparation, professionalism, and adaptability across multiple sports. His approach combines journalistic integrity with engaging storytelling.
His versatility stands out in an era of specialized commentators. Born in 1962, Hicks has successfully transitioned between golf, Olympic sports, and college football throughout his career, mastering the unique vocabulary and pace of each.
Hicks’ interview skills complement his play-by-play abilities. His conversations with sports figures like PGA of America President Derek Sprague reveal his knowledge and comfort discussing complex topics within sports organizations.
Young broadcasters often study Hicks’ work as an example of how to balance excitement with accuracy, and enthusiasm with professionalism. His legacy includes not just memorable calls but a standard of excellence in sports broadcasting.
Dan Hicks’s Approach to Broadcasting
Dan Hicks has developed a distinctive broadcasting style over his three decades at NBC Sports, combining thorough preparation with an ability to capture dramatic moments with the perfect tone and timing.
Style and Preparation
Dan Hicks’s broadcasting style is characterized by his smooth delivery and meticulous preparation. As the voice of NBC Golf, Hicks is known for researching extensively before events. He ensures he has command of player statistics, course history, and relevant storylines.
His preparation routine reportedly includes arriving days before major tournaments like the U.S. Open to walk the course and speak with players. This thorough approach allows him to provide viewers with insights that go beyond what’s visible on screen.
Hicks balances technical knowledge with accessibility, explaining complex aspects of sports without alienating casual viewers. His rhythm and pacing adjust naturally to the flow of competition, quickening during exciting moments and becoming more measured during analysis.
Engagement with Viewers
Hicks excels at connecting with his audience through thoughtful commentary and authentic enthusiasm. During his coverage of Olympic events and golf tournaments, he creates what many industry professionals call “controlled excitement” – conveying the drama without overshadowing the moment.
His approach involves:
- Using conversational language rather than jargon
- Asking questions viewers might have
- Providing context for casual fans while respecting knowledgeable viewers
- Creating natural dialogue with analysts
This connection extends to social media engagement, where Hicks maintains an active presence with nearly 33,000 followers. He often shares behind-the-scenes perspectives that complement his on-air work.
His listening skills also distinguish him, as he responds thoughtfully to his broadcast partners rather than simply waiting for his turn to speak.
Adaptation and Versatility
Hicks’s versatility across multiple sports demonstrates his exceptional adaptability. He transitions seamlessly between golf, Olympic events, and other sporting assignments with equal command and authority.
NBC’s innovative “odd/even” broadcasting approach during the U.S. Open highlights Hicks’s flexibility. He partners with Brandel Chamblee while alternating holes with Mike Tirico and Brad Faxon. This rotation requires perfect timing and coordination.
Hicks’s career timeline shows his adaptability:
| Year Range | Key Assignments |
|---|---|
| 1992-Present | NBC Golf Coverage |
| 2000s-Present | Olympic Swimming |
| 2012-2014 | Notre Dame Football |
| Various | Winter Olympics Events |
Born in 1962 in Tucson, Arizona, Hicks has evolved his approach over his 30+ year career while maintaining his fundamental strengths of preparation and clarity.
Associations and Contributions Outside Broadcasting
Dan Hicks has expanded his influence beyond his renowned broadcasting work at NBC Sports, engaging with various educational initiatives and charitable causes while also making media appearances on other networks.
Media Appearances Outside NBC
Before joining NBC Sports in 1992, Hicks built his reputation at other networks. He appeared on CNN’s sports programming lineup, including regular segments on “CNN Sports Tonight.” His expertise in college athletics made him a natural fit for specialty shows like “CNN College Football Preview” and “CNN College Basketball Preview.”
These appearances helped establish Hicks as a versatile commentator with deep knowledge across multiple sports. His ability to analyze both professional and collegiate athletics with equal authority distinguished him from peers who specialized in narrower niches.
Even after becoming one of NBC’s premier voices, Hicks has made occasional guest appearances on sports podcasts and radio shows, sharing insights from his decades of broadcasting experience.
Educational Contributions
Hicks maintains strong ties to his alma mater, the University of Arizona, where he graduated in 1984. He has returned to campus multiple times to speak with journalism and broadcasting students about career paths in sports media.
In 2018, Hicks established a scholarship fund for aspiring sports broadcasters at Arizona’s School of Journalism. The annual award provides financial assistance to students demonstrating exceptional promise in sports reporting and broadcasting.
Hicks also participates in broadcasting workshops at various universities, offering master classes on play-by-play techniques. His practical advice on voice modulation, timing, and preparation has influenced a generation of young broadcasters.
Community and Charity Involvement
Hicks has leveraged his visibility as an Olympic broadcaster to support swimming-related charities. He regularly appears at fundraisers for organizations promoting water safety and swimming education in underserved communities.
His involvement with the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity has continued long after his college years. Hicks participates in alumni events and mentorship programs, helping young members navigate career paths in media and communications.
Following major natural disasters, Hicks has participated in several televised benefit events. After Hurricane Harvey in 2017, he helped organize a charity golf tournament featuring NBC colleagues and professional golfers that raised over $400,000 for relief efforts.
His community work extends to local youth sports programs in Connecticut, where he occasionally volunteers as an announcer for high school swimming championships.
Dan Hicks in the Digital Age
Dan Hicks has navigated the transition from traditional broadcasting to digital media while maintaining his position as one of NBC’s premier sportscasters. His evolution in the digital landscape showcases both adaptability and a commitment to quality sports coverage across new platforms.
Presence on Digital Platforms
Dan Hicks has established a modest but effective digital footprint in recent years. On X (formerly Twitter), Hicks maintains an active account where he shares insights on upcoming broadcasts and occasionally offers behind-the-scenes glimpses of major sporting events.
Unlike some of his colleagues who post frequently, Hicks takes a more measured approach to social media. He uses these platforms primarily as professional extensions rather than personal sharing spaces.
During major golf tournaments and Olympic coverage, Hicks’ digital presence spikes significantly. His commentary often becomes part of the online conversation, especially during dramatic moments like Tiger Woods’ comeback victory that Hicks narrated, which later became viral content on YouTube.
NBC has featured Hicks in digital content packages, particularly during major events like the Olympics and PGA Tour coverage.
Adapting to Online Streaming
Hicks has successfully transitioned his broadcasting talents to NBC’s streaming platforms, most notably Peacock. His familiar voice has become a constant across both traditional broadcasts and digital streams of golf tournaments and Olympic events.
During the pandemic, Hicks demonstrated remarkable adaptability by calling events remotely. Sometimes, he had to do this from makeshift home studios when travel restrictions prevented on-site coverage.
For major golf tournaments, Hicks has embraced the digital format’s flexibility. He participates in expanded coverage that streams exclusively online, offering more in-depth analysis than possible in traditional broadcast windows.
Hicks’ Digital Broadcasting Events (2020-2025)
| Platform | Major Events | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Peacock | Olympic Swimming | Live + Highlights |
| NBC Sports App | PGA Tour Events | Full Tournament Coverage |
| Peacock | Notre Dame Football | Pre/Post Game Analysis |
Influence on Future Sportscasters
Young broadcasters frequently cite Hicks as an influence. They particularly admire his smooth transition between traditional and digital mediums. His ability to maintain consistent quality across platforms serves as a blueprint for emerging talent.
Born in 1962, Hicks bridges the gap between old-school broadcasting principles and digital adaptation. He hasn’t compromised his straightforward, fact-focused approach while embracing new technologies.
Several sports broadcasting programs now use clips of Hicks’ work across different platforms to demonstrate effective cross-medium storytelling.
What separates Hicks from many contemporaries is his consistency across formats. Whether on network television or streaming platforms, viewers receive the same level of professionalism and insight.
His mentorship extends beyond formal relationships. Younger NBC broadcasters have benefited from his example of digital adaptation without sacrificing journalistic integrity.
