From Rio to San Antonio, Tirico shares highlights of incomparable year

Bill Hofheimer December 22, 2014

Have yourself a year! Mike Tirico’s incredible 2014

• Monday Night Football, play-by-play
• NBA, play-by-play
• College basketball, play-by-play (“Super Tuesday” Big 10 games)
• BCS Championship Game, play-by-play on ESPN Radio
• 2014 Outback Bowl, play-by-play
• FIFA World Cup (Brazil), host
• The Masters, host
• The Open Championship (Liverpool, England), host and play-by-play
• US Open tennis, host and play-by-play

What a year for ESPN’s Mike Tirico. In fact, you could call it a career year. One of the top broadcasters in the business, Tirico travelled the globe to cover some 2014’s top sports events.

While many fans will be home sipping eggnog and opening presents this week, Tirico will squeeze in two more high-profile assignments. First, tonight’s much anticipated Denver Broncos versus Cincinnati Bengals Monday Night Football regular-season finale (8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN), followed by the Christmas Day NBA matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and defending champion San Antonio Spurs (2:30 p.m., ABC).

It’s no wonder Sports Illustrated recently listed Tirico as Broadcaster of the Year in its 2014 Sports Media Awards – and deservedly so.

Before the multi-talented Tirico puts a bow on his year, he spoke with Front Row about his favorite moments:

Best sports moment you called. . .

Commentators Hubie Brown (l) and Mike Tirico call the action for the Atlanta Hawks at Orlando Magic game during the 2010 NBA playoffs. (Don Juan Moore/ESPN Images) — Commentators Hubie Brown (l) and Mike Tirico calling the NBA playoffs on ESPN.
(Don Juan Moore/ESPN Images)

“Damian Lillard’s game-winning three-pointer to give Portland its first [NBA playoff] series win in 14 years. It was the first buzzer-beater to win an NBA playoff series in 17 years. Houston had just taken a two-point lead and was seconds away from forcing Game 7 back in Texas. The Lillard shot was great. Blazermania truly came back to life.”

Best sports moment you witnessed. . .

(L-R) Mike Tirico, Alexi Lalas and Steve McManaman on set in Brazil during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. (Gabriela Batista/ESPN Images) — (L-R) Mike Tirico with soccer analysts Alexi Lalas and Steve McManaman on set in Brazil during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. (Gabriela Batista/ESPN Images)

“The entire World Cup in Brazil. Turning around from our host position to see Copacabana Beach packed with fans from every corner of the world watching their team on the global stage is a view I will never forget.”

Favorite off-camera moment. . .

(L to R) Mike Tirico and Jon Gruden during a regular season Monday Night Football game. (Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images) — (L to R) Mike Tirico and Jon Gruden during a regular season *Monday Night Football* game.
(Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images)

“The off-air banter while taping segments on the Monday Night Football bus with [analyst] Jon Gruden is easily the most reliable source of weekly laughs.”

Most challenging assignment . . .

Mike Tirico at the British Open Championship. (Andy Hall/ESPN) — Mike Tirico at the Open Championship. (Andy Hall/ESPN)

“The turnaround from the Sunday finale of the World Cup in Brazil to arriving for the British Open 48 hours later. Rio to Brasilia to Lisbon to Manchester and a drive to Liverpool was a challenge on its own. Catching up with the month of golf that transpired during the World Cup made it a unique turnaround. Our great golf team made it an easy end to the 50-day overseas journey.”

Best thing you did in your free time on the road. . .

Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. (Phil Ellsworth/ESPN Images) — Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
(Phil Ellsworth/ESPN Images)

“A few in our World Cup group rented bikes in Rio and used them to not only commute to work but also do some sightseeing. Given the traffic it was the best way to get around and enjoy an amazing city.”

What are you looking forward to most in 2015?. . .

ESPN's Dan Dakich and Mike Tirico on the call during a regular season college basketball game. (Phil Ellsworth/ESPN) — ESPN’s Dan Dakich and Mike Tirico on the call during a regular season college basketball game. (Phil Ellsworth/ESPN)

“Winter Tuesdays with [college basketball analyst] Dan Dakich; sitting courtside next to [analyst] Hubie Brown during the NBA playoffs; Augusta and St. Andrews with our golf team; Wimbledon and the US Open with our tennis crew and fall Mondays with Jon. Take your pick! Every day is a good day, and the year has two great starting points – play-by-play for our first ever NFL Playoff game on ESPN and the inaugural College Football Playoff on ESPN Radio.”