Six weeks ago, Warriors’ head coach Steve Kerr appeared on Dick Enberg’s “The Sound of Success” podcast to share stories of his career as an NBA player and coach, discuss the assassination of his father and reflect on the opportunity to coach Golden State’s transcendent star, Steph Curry.
It was the type of open and sincere dialogue that Kerr has become known for, but it was made more genuine by the connection Kerr felt with Enberg, and the on-air chemistry the pair shared.
On Thursday, Enberg passed away at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy as one of the leading voices of his generation, and one of the most well-respected figures in all of sports. Enberg’s ability to influence others was felt on Friday evening, when Kerr sat at the podium before the Warriors’ contest against the Los Angeles Lakers and began his pregame remarks with a touching tribute to Enberg.
“I just want to start by passing along my condolences to Dick Enberg’s family,” Kerr said. “Dick was actually, he became a friend in his later years and in the last 10 years or so, both living in San Diego.”
Enberg became a broadcasting icon, working nearly every marquee sporting event in the country and sharing booths with color commentators from a variety of disciplines, including Kerr, who recalled the opportunity he had to call a college game with Enberg earlier in his career.
“I had an unbelievable opportunity to work with him doing a game on the aircraft carrier in San Diego,” Kerr said. “I think it was Syracuse and San Diego State and what a thrill that was for me having grown up in the 70s and 80s listening to him do UCLA basketball and Rams games and of course, going onto NBC and doing the Final Four, the NCAA tournament and he really is a voice from my childhood and just absolutely ego-less, talented special human being.”
The loss of Enberg took a toll on the sporting world, as broadcasting lost a man who was known as much for his trademark “Oh my,” as he was for his authenticity and sincerity with all of those who knew him.
“It was really, really devastating news this morning, Dick’s passing,” Kerr said. “So I send my love to his family and his friends and offer my thanks for somebody who really made a big impact on my life. Thank you.”