Pat Summerall returns to broadcast booth for Falcons game
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Posted 5:17AM on Thursday, August 12, 2004
NEW YORK - Pat Summerall is returning to an NFL broadcast booth, to work ESPN's coverage of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens.<br>
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Summerall, who had a liver transplant in April, will pinch hit Thursday night for Mike Patrick, who underwent triple heart bypass surgery.<br>
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``I feel better than I have in 15 years,'' said the 74-year-old Summerall. ``It's an honor for me to be working with these guys.''<br>
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Summerall will work ESPN's four preseason games and hopes to do more games after that. ``I feel well enough and love to do it,'' Summerall said. ``Thus far, it's four games. After that, I'm available.''<br>
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He qualified for a transplant through blood tests that rank potential recipients anonymously.<br>
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Meanwhile, ESPN producer Jay Rothman said Patrick's return is up to the broadcaster.<br>
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``Mike's getting better every day,'' Rothman said. ``He's resting at home. His spirits are good and when Mike's feeling up to it, he'll be back.''