Legendary NBC commentator Mike Tirico was forced to step away from the network’s coverage of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday due to a sudden illness.
Fans shared their concern for the 58-year-old’s health before Tirico’s fellow broadcaster Ahmed Fareed suddenly jumped in to take his place after a commercial break.
‘Mike, as you may have heard, feeling a little under the weather right now,’ Fareed said.
‘So I’m gonna step in and take over for a bit. It’s not like baseball—if the closer comes in, the starter can come back in the game.’
It remains to be seen whether Tirico is able to return for the big race – which is due to start at 6:57pm ET.
Viewers took to social media to comment on Tirico’s voice during the early stages of Saturday’s racing.
Mike Tirico was forced to step away from NBC’s coverage of the Kentucky Derby due to illness
One posted: ‘Why are we pretending like Mike Tirico is ok. Something is very wrong.’
Another commented: ‘The way he sounds there should be odds on Mike Tirico is not making it to the finish of the Kentucky Derby show.’
A third added: ‘Time for @NBCSports to call in Ahmed Fareed for an obviously ailing Mike Tirico on the @KentuckyDerby telecast. His voice is not good television right now.’
‘Definitely could tell he was sick. Sounded horrible’, a fourth shared.
Tirico is one of the most recognizable faces in sports broadcasting after his quarter-century affiliated with ESPN and then his switch to his current employer in 2016.
Tirico’s rise within NBC has also seen him take the role of NFL play-by-play announcer for the network from the legendary Al Michaels and he will lead coverage of the NBA starting next season.
In building his career and covering nearly every major sporting event over his 38-year career, Tirico has built up an impressive net worth and yearly salary.
Tirico makes $6million annually and has a net worth of $14million, per Parade.
Tirico is one of the most recognizable faces in sports broadcasting and is NBC’s NFL voice
The 58-year-old has also made strides outside of sports broadcasting with NBC, filling in as a host on ‘Today’ during Easter week.
Tirico has been the lead in-studio host for every Olympic Games for NBC dating back to the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Tirico’s responsibilities also include hosting all three events in horse racing’s Triple Crown, with the first in this year’s trifecta, the Kentucky Derby, taking place on Saturday.
As much as Tirico makes per year, he is not close to the top earner in sports broadcasting.
That title belongs to Tom Brady, who is making $37.5million a year on his deal with Fox Sports as their top color commentator.
Daily Mail has reached out to NBC for comment on Tirico’s condition.
