You’ve probably seen the name trending or maybe you just had a random thought while watching a highlight reel: how old is Dan Patrick, exactly? It’s a simple question, but if you’re searching for the answer, you might get a little confused because there are actually two very famous guys named Dan Patrick.
One of them is the legendary sports broadcaster who basically defined the "cool" era of ESPN. The other is a high-profile politician currently serving as the Lieutenant Governor of Texas. They share a name, but their ages—and their lives—are pretty different. Honestly, it’s kinda funny how often people mix them up.
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The Sportscasting Legend: How Old is Dan Patrick the Broadcaster?
If you grew up watching SportsCenter, you know the voice. As of right now, in early 2026, the famous sports host Dan Patrick is 69 years old. He was born Daniel Patrick Pugh on May 15, 1956, in Zanesville, Ohio.
Most people just call him DP. He’s been a staple in the sports world since 1979, but he really hit his stride during his 18-year run at ESPN. Remember those days? He and Keith Olbermann were the gold standard for sports news. They had that dry, sarcastic wit that made you feel like you were in on the joke.
Why he might be thinking about retirement
Age is just a number, but even legends eventually look toward the exit. Back in 2023, Patrick actually mentioned that he planned to retire in December 2027. If he sticks to that schedule, he’ll be wrapping up his iconic radio show right around his 71st birthday.
He’s even joked about it on air, saying he wants to make sure he leaves while he’s still got his "fastball." You’ve gotta respect that. It’s better to go out on top than to be the guy everyone whispers about being past his prime.
The Politician: How Old is Dan Patrick of Texas?
Now, if you’re looking for the guy in the suit who runs the Texas Senate, that’s a different story. The Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick is 75 years old. He was born Dannie Scott Goeb on April 4, 1950, in Baltimore, Maryland.
He’s about six years older than the sportscaster. It's a bit of a coincidence that they both started in media—the politician Dan Patrick was actually a prominent radio talk show host in Houston before he jumped into politics.
Still going strong in the political ring
Unlike the broadcaster, the politician isn't slowing down. In fact, he’s currently in the middle of a 2026 reelection campaign, aiming for a fourth term as Lieutenant Governor. At 75, he’s still one of the most powerful and energetic figures in Texas politics. If he wins, he'll be serving well into his late 70s.
Why the confusion happens
It’s basically a search engine’s nightmare. Both men are:
- Named Dan Patrick (though one was born a Pugh and the other a Goeb).
- Connected to the world of broadcasting.
- High-profile figures with a lot of media coverage.
When you ask your phone or type into Google "how old is Dan Patrick," the results usually give you the sportscaster first because of his massive national reach. But if you’re living in Austin or Houston, you’re almost certainly talking about the politician.
A Legacy of Longevity
Whether you're a fan of the "En Fuego" catchphrases or you follow Texas legislative sessions, both men have shown incredible staying power. The broadcaster has managed to keep The Dan Patrick Show relevant for decades after leaving the ESPN mothership, which is nearly impossible to do.
On the other side, the Lieutenant Governor has survived multiple election cycles and remains a dominant force in the GOP.
What to expect next
If you're following the broadcaster, keep an eye on his 2027 retirement date. He’s already started training the "Danettes" (his producers) for the future, and his contract with iHeartMedia and Peacock is the countdown clock everyone is watching.
If you're following the politician, the big date is the 2026 election. Depending on how that goes, he could remain a fixture in Texas news for years to come.
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Actionable Takeaway
Next time you’re settling a bet at a bar or arguing about ages at a dinner party, make sure you specify which one you’re talking about.
- Sportscaster Dan Patrick: Born May 1956 (Turning 70 soon).
- Politician Dan Patrick: Born April 1950 (Turning 76 soon).
If you want to keep up with the broadcaster, his show still streams daily on Peacock. For the politician, his official campaign updates and Senate press releases are the best way to see what he's up to as he hits the campaign trail.