From NFL defensive tackle to the voice of ESPN radio
In short: Before he was a staple of morning sports radio, Mike Golic was a powerhouse on the football field. An eight-year NFL veteran and Notre Dame standout, Golic transitioned from recording sacks to hosting iconic programs, eventually building a broadcasting legacy that spans decades and multiple networks.
Michael Louis Golic Sr.’s journey began far from the microphone. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame in 1985, Golic was a dual athlete, serving as the football team captain and competing in wrestling. His professional football career launched in the 1985 NFL draft when the Houston Oilers selected him in the 10th round. Over eight seasons, the defensive lineman played 115 games for the Oilers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Miami Dolphins, recording 11.5 sacks and three interceptions.
Golic's transition to media was a gradual evolution. While playing in Philadelphia, he began hosting segments on the Randall Cunningham Show, eventually earning a Mid-Atlantic Region Emmy Award. In 1995, he moved to Phoenix to host KGME radio, where his partnership with Bruce Jacobs provided the blueprint for his later success. This period served as the foundation for his 25-year association with ESPN, where he joined in 1995 as an analyst for programs like Sunday NFL Countdown and NFL 2Night.
His most enduring impact came through the airwaves. From 2000 to 2017, he co-hosted the highly influential Mike & Mike with Mike Greenberg. Following various stints with shows like Golic and Wingo and partnerships with DraftKings, Golic's career has come full circle. After a period hosting with his son, Mike Golic Jr., the duo is set to return to ESPN Radio in August 2026 to host a new mid-morning program, The Golics.
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