Hank Goldberg, an 82-year-old NFL analyst and reporter for ESPN for 20 years, passed away on Monday. His family verified this.
In recent years, Goldberg had therapy for chronic renal disease.
When making predictions for ESPN, Hammering Hank Goldberg had a.500 or better record in 15 of the 17 NFL seasons. He participated in ESPN Radio’s thoroughbred racing coverage and appeared on NFL Countdown and ESPN Radio.
Throughout the course of the sports betting program’s existence, Goldberg had also contributed to ESPN’s Daily Wager, making weekly appearances during the NFL season and sporadic ones during the Triple Crown events. His most recent appearance on ESPN was a phone interview from the Kentucky Derby in May.
Chris Berman, a longtime ESPN anchor, remarked that “Hank was a bigger part of ESPN’s essence than anyone will ever know.” “We learned more from his information. We learned from his wisdom. Through his relationship, we improved as humans. Hammer, may you rest in peace and please accept our gratitude.”
Art Manteris, a seasoned bookmaker in Las Vegas who recently retired, spent his 40-year career attempting to defeat clever men but rapidly came to appreciate Goldberg. They became friends, and their bond lasted for more than three decades.
Last week, they shared a pastrami on rye from Weiss Deli, one of Goldberg’s favorite restaurants in Las Vegas, according to Manteris.
Regarding Goldberg’s skill in handicapping, Manteris told ESPN, “I can guarantee you, he was no phony.” “I had a lot of respect for The Hammer because he consistently followed through on his promises. There were few opinions I valued more as a long-time bookmaker in Las Vegas than Hank’s regarding the NFL.”
As a local radio and TV broadcaster for more than 25 years as well as a Dolphins radio commentator, Goldberg was a well-known figure in Miami. As Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder’s assistant, he started his career as a handicapper in the 1970s.