The Detroit sports world is mourning the loss of Pat Caputo, a revered journalist and radio host who passed away on Thursday, May 7.

His family shared the news, confirming that he died following a brave battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 67. 

“Today May 7th we lost Pat to cancer. Pat was surrounded by his family. Thank you for all your support,” the Caputo family posted on his official X account.

Pat was a pillar of the Michigan media scene for nearly 40 years, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and honest storytelling.

Most people knew Pat from his long career as a sportswriter for The Oakland Press, where he spent almost four decades covering local teams. 

He was also a very popular voice on 97.1 The Ticket and a frequent guest on Fox 2 Sports. Since he was respected in his field, he was given the important responsibility of voting for the Baseball Hall of Fame and the Heisman Trophy annually. 

Earlier this year, Pat revealed that he had been diagnosed with Stage-IV pancreatic cancer. He had been away from his radio show since November to focus on his health, according to Fox2's report.

Even during his time away, fans and colleagues continued to show him immense support. He is remembered for his blunt, no-nonsense style when questioning coaches and players.

Pat’s passing leaves a huge void in the hearts of Detroit sports fans. He will be remembered for his raspy voice, his quick wit, and his fearlessness in asking the tough questions.

A Quick Look Into Pat Caputo’s Incredible Career 

Pat Caputo was a well-known voice in Detroit sports for decades. He started his career as an award-winning writer for The Oakland Press before moving into radio in 1996.

Over the years, he became a staple on the airwaves, most notably hosting his own show on 97.1 The Ticket (WXYT).

Whether he was talking on the radio, hosting pre-game shows for the Tigers and Red Wings, or starting his own sports podcast in 2022, Pat was always ready to share his thoughts on Michigan sports.

He was also a regular face on local TV, appearing on FOX 2 for over 25 years. Upon the news of his demise, Dan Miller, the director of FOX 2 Sports expressed his sorrows regarding the local legend.

"This is a day we probably knew was coming after Pat's diagnosis, and we learned how significant it was. But it's still difficult," Miller stated. "Pat was a member of our family here for at least 25 years... He was one of one. He was opinionated, he was never going to come up short in telling you how he felt.” 

Pat grew up in Michigan, attending Groves High School and later graduating from Michigan State University. He was known for his strong opinions and his deep love for the Motown's local teams.

Read more at the Michigan Football Community

Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Rishab Nandi