The famous “voice of basketball” comes booming over the phone as strongly as ever at age 84. On the day after Kenny Albert called the game of his life during Team USA’ gold medal win over Canada, his father, Marv Albert, was brimming with pride for his son.
“He was tremendous,” the legendary announcer, whose on-air “YES!’ catchphrase rang through American living rooms for decades, tells Front Office Sports.
Even though the blizzard closed airports in New York, there’s no rest for his son, according to his father. Kenny Albert immediately flew from Italy to Atlanta to Los Angeles so that he can call an NHL game for TNT Sports once the regular season resumes. (The younger Albert told FOS‘s Ryan Glasspiegel he received 483 texts from a who’s who of sports and political luminaries after Sunday’s telecast).
Marv Albert also expressed admiration for NBC Olympic host Mike Tirico after his fellow Syracuse alum’s stirring wrap-up of Sunday’s hockey action. He says the only two sportscasters he can think of who could have pulled off such a flawlessly inspiring monologue on live TV are Tirico and Bob Costas.
“The way he closed the Olympics after the hockey game was amazing,” says Albert about Tirico’s “chase your dreams” essay to younger viewers.
For those in the know, Kenny Albert and Tirico’s stellar dual performances during the 2026 Winter Games was a bit of Marv Albert redux.
During his time with NBC, Marv Albert called five Olympics, including the famous Dream Team-starring 1992 Summer Games in Barcelona (where Kenny Albert moonlighted as his Dad’s stats and research man).
The 58-year old Kenny Albert is the second-generation heir to the Albert family business, which includes his father and announcer uncles Al and Steve Albert. Even though he retired from the broadcast booth five years ago, Marv Albert can still drill the 3. Witness his opening to a Celtics vs. 76ers game this past November for NBC.
Meanwhile, the 59-year old Tirico grew up in Queens idolizing the versatile Marv Albert, who called everything from the Knicks and Rangers to the NBA on NBC and TNT.
After recently calling his first Super Bowl, along with hosting his fifth Olympics, the versatile Tirico has separated himself as the best all-around sportscaster in the business. Unlike most announcers these days, he calls a variety of sports rather than just focusing on one or two, noted veteran play-by-play announcer Tim Brando of Fox Sports.
“Mike’s always been a never say no guy. He’s always ready when the red light is on regardless of the assignment,” Brando tells Front Office Sports. “Versatility has long been a virtue for a long lasting career but as most of us mature we hone in on what we’re passionate about. Tirico’s hard wired for TV first, and the sports he covers second. Young broadcasters should understand that Tirico’s gift starts with loving it more than others. Whether in the studio or calling a live event Mike’s on point he’s happy–and it resonates with his viewers.”
Over on rival ESPN, anchor Scott Van Pelt also saluted Tirico Monday night. Tirico’s inspirational message was one thing, said Van Pelt. But having the right stuff to deliver it live with the world as your audience is another.
“What he did on Sunday I believe moves him to a place occupied by one person in our business–him,” said Van Pelt.
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