Net Worth Ranker
What Is Pat Summerall’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death, Pat Summerall, the accomplished American professional football player and television sportscaster, had a net worth estimated at $10 million. This financial standing was accumulated through his diverse career spanning both the National Football League (NFL) and the broadcasting industry.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
George “Pat” Summerall was born on May 10, 1930, in Lake City, Florida. His athletic journey began at Columbia High School, where he excelled in four sports: football, tennis, basketball, and baseball. Summerall earned All-State honors in both football and basketball, showcasing his early talent and setting the stage for his future in professional sports. He furthered his education and athletic pursuits at the University of Arkansas, playing college football with the Razorbacks from 1949 to 1951. During his tenure, he played multiple positions, including defensive end, tight end, and placekicker, displaying his versatility and commitment to the team. Summerall’s college career laid the foundation for his entry into the NFL, where he would continue to make his mark.
NFL Career: From Player to Sportscaster
Summerall’s transition from college to the NFL occurred in 1952 when he was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fourth round. Unfortunately, a preseason arm injury prevented him from playing during the regular season. In 1953, he was traded to the Chicago Cardinals, where he played for five seasons until 1957. His career reached new heights with the New York Giants, where he experienced some of his most memorable moments. One such moment was during the 1958 regular-season finale against the Cleveland Browns when he kicked a 49-yard field goal with only two minutes remaining, breaking a 10-10 tie. His final NFL game was the 1961 NFL Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers on New Year’s Eve, a game the Giants lost 37-0. This marked the end of his professional playing career.
Transition to Sportscasting: A New Chapter
In 1962, after retiring from professional football, Pat Summerall embarked on a new career as a color commentator for NFL coverage on CBS Sports. Initially, he teamed up with Chris Schenkel to cover New York Giants games. Later, he partnered with Jim Gibbons to cover Washington Redskins games. In early 1967, Summerall had the honor of covering the first-ever Super Bowl and co-hosting the trophy presentation with NBC’s George Ratterman. For Super Bowl III in 1969, he contributed to NBC’s coverage. Returning to CBS, Summerall transitioned to a play-by-play announcer during the 1974 NFL season, partnering with Tom Brookshier. Together, they covered Super Bowls X, XII, and XIV, solidifying their presence in sports broadcasting.
The Summerall-Madden Era: A Legendary Partnership
In 1981, Pat Summerall initiated what would become his longest-lasting and most iconic partnership with former Oakland Raiders coach John Madden. Their collaboration spanned 22 NFL seasons across two major networks, CBS and Fox. During their time at CBS, Summerall and Madden covered Super Bowls XVI, XVIII, XXI, XXIV, and XXVI, creating memorable moments and shaping the landscape of sports broadcasting. The final game they called together on CBS was the 1993 NFC Championship Game. After Fox acquired the NFC television contract, Summerall and Madden became the network’s lead announcing team, continuing their successful partnership. At Fox, they covered Super Bowls XXXI, XXXIII, and XXXVI, further cementing their legacy in the broadcasting world. In early 2002, following Super Bowl XXXVI, Summerall announced his retirement from announcing, marking the end of an era. However, he soon returned to Fox for the 2002 season, teaming up with Brian Baldinger on regional telecasts, primarily covering Dallas Cowboys games. He subsequently retired again, concluding his full-time broadcasting career.
Brief Returns to the Booth
Despite his announced retirements, Pat Summerall made several returns to television. In 2004, he called some preseason and early regular-season NFL games for ESPN, demonstrating his ongoing passion for the sport. In 2006, he returned to Fox as a substitute for Kenny Albert, announcing a game with Brian Baldinger. He called another game the following year, showcasing his continued involvement in broadcasting. From 2007 to 2010, Summerall served as a play-by-play announcer for Fox’s coverage of the Cotton Bowl Classic, partnering with Baldinger for the first three years and Daryl Johnston for the final year. These occasional returns highlighted Summerall’s enduring presence and influence in sports broadcasting, even after his official retirement.
Beyond Football: Covering Other Sports
In addition to his extensive football coverage, Pat Summerall also covered significant golf, tennis, and basketball events for television. At CBS, he announced PGA Tour golf tournaments, including 26 Masters Tournaments between 1968 and 1994. He also covered 21 US Opens, showcasing his versatility and expertise in various sports. Summerall’s other assignments for CBS included serving as a play-by-play announcer for the 1974 NBA Finals, an announcer for NCAA men’s college basketball games, and a color commentator for a 1987 MLB game between the Chicago Cubs and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Later in his career, from 2005 to 2012, Summerall hosted the syndicated program “Sports Stars of Tomorrow,” which covered high school and collegiate sports, further demonstrating his commitment to supporting young athletes and promoting sports at all levels.
Honors and Accolades
Pat Summerall received numerous honors and accolades throughout his sportscasting career. In 1977, he was named National Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association. The association inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 1994, recognizing his significant contributions to the field. That same year, Summerall received the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award from the Pro Football Hall of Fame, further solidifying his legacy as a broadcasting icon. These accolades serve as a testament to his talent, dedication, and lasting impact on the world of sports broadcasting.
Personal Life and Health Challenges
Pat Summerall married his first wife, Katherine, in 1955. Together, they had three children before divorcing in 1995. Summerall later married a woman named Cheri. Throughout his life, Summerall faced several health challenges. In 1990, he was hospitalized for a bleeding ulcer. In 2004, he underwent a liver transplant as a result of his past struggles with alcoholism. In 2006, Summerall had cataract surgery. In 2008, he underwent hip replacement surgery. He later broke his hip and was admitted to a hospital in Dallas, Texas, where he ultimately passed away from cardiac arrest on April 16, 2013. His health issues and personal life were often kept private, but they underscored the challenges he faced alongside his successful career.
Real Estate Ventures: The Texas Mansion
In 1996, Pat Summerall invested in a 10-acre property in Southlake, Texas, demonstrating his interest in real estate. He divided the lot into two sections and constructed two mansions. The mansion he built for himself, an 8,500-square-foot residence, was named “Amazing Grace.” Summerall listed the home for sale in 2010 for $3.9 million. Following his death, his family sold the home in January 2014 for slightly under $3 million. The property was relisted for sale in 2017 for $6.75 million and sold again in June 2021 for nearly $5 million. Tragically, just a month later, the home was completely destroyed in a fire, and a new mansion was subsequently built in its place. On the second lot, Summerall constructed a 14,000-square-foot mansion, which was sold in 2013 for an undisclosed amount. As of April 2023, this home was listed for sale for $7.75 million but has not yet been sold. These real estate ventures illustrate Summerall’s business acumen and his investment in luxury properties.
