Legendary Patriots Voice Gil Santos Dead At 80
Gil Santos, long time play by play announcer for the New England Patriots has died.
The Patriots Hall of Famer passed away Thursday, on his 80th birthday.
Santos will be remembered by millions in the New England region for his record-breaking 36 years of broadcasting Patriots games.
The Fairhaven, MA native commentated games from 1966 until 1980 and again from 1991 until his retirement from the Patriots Radio Network here on the Sports Hub in 2012.
His trademark touchdown call was heard by millions of fans in those almost 4 decades of service, “Touchdown, Patriots!”
Santos was inducted into the 2013 New England Patriots Hall of Fame by team owner Robert Kraft.
As news of his death spread, condolence messages poured out on social media from his former colleagues and listeners alike.
Oh my god no. Just spoke with him last week. Great broadcaster , better family man. Devastated ...he and Gino were so good to me. Class act. I am so saddened by this https://t.co/RbWRu5lK0z
— Scott Zolak (@scottzolak) April 20, 2018
The voice I grew up with. The legend I was lucky enough to meet. The play by play man of a generation. RIP.https://t.co/gYcFMSu0wA
— Jon Wallach (@KenGriffeyRules) April 20, 2018
I’ll never forget the chills I got whenever he said my name during postgame credits my first year on the Pats broadcast in 2006. Rest easy Gil https://t.co/kvGvKzGWMp
— Jim Louth (@JimLouth) April 20, 2018
A word about Gil Santos.
— Jim Murray (@bigjimmurray) April 20, 2018
In ‘05, I got into the booth to watch for a few.
And there was Gil
& wait, he’s ripping a butt while calling the game?
“Hand off McGahee for 3 yards”
/inhales
“Bills at the 36 yard line, 1st down Buffalo.”
/exhales
That, gang, was a MF’ing legend.
This happened nearly 20 years ago, and it still gives me chills every time I listen to it.
— Marc Bertrand (@Marc_Bertrand) April 20, 2018
We’ve lost a New England radio legend. Rest in peace, Gil. pic.twitter.com/WnFzEG58z7
I will never forget Gil's typewriter in the WBZ newsroom which rested now next to his chair at home & his grandkids asking him "what is that thing grandpa?"
— Scott Zolak (@scottzolak) April 20, 2018
Video: WBZ-TV Interviews Santos On Retirement
Correction: This story has been updated to correct Santos’ age to 80.
