Hank Goldberg, who worked at ESPN as an NFL reporter and disability expert for two decades, died Monday on his 82nd birthday, his family confirmed.
Goldberg had been in treatment for chronic kidney disease in recent years.
Known as Hammering Hank, Goldberg was .500 or better in 15 of the 17 NFL seasons while predicting games on ESPN. He made appearances on NFL Countdown and ESPN Radio and contributed to the network’s thoroughbred career coverage.
Goldberg had also collaborated on ESPN’s Daily Wager throughout the existence of the sports betting program, making weekly hits during the NFL season and occasional appearances around Triple Crown races. His last appearance on ESPN was in May, when he did a telephone interview from the Kentucky Derby.
Goldberg was also a longtime component in Miami, serving as a local radio and television presenter for over 25 years and working as a Dolphins radio analyst. He began his career in the 1970s as an assistant to handicapper Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder.