Arizona Cardinals Pay Tribute to Al McCoy in Heartfelt Moment of Silence

Arizona Sports Hall of Famer Al McCoy passed away on Saturday. The news has resonated throughout the Valley as fans and sports figures pay tribute to a broadcasting legend.

In a moving gesture, the Arizona Cardinals held a moment of silence before their game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday. This memorial reflects McCoy’s significant impact on Phoenix sports culture over the decades.

McCoy was the voice of the Phoenix Suns for 51 years, starting in 1972. He retired after the 2022-23 season, leaving behind a legacy that includes play-by-play narration of thousands of Suns games. His broadcasting career in the Valley began in 1958, covering a wide range of sports from Triple-A baseball to minor league hockey.

Mark Dalton, Senior Vice President of Media Relations for the Cardinals, shared a graphic of McCoy displayed on the jumbotron at State Farm Stadium, further commemorating his contribution to Arizona sports.

During the game, Cardinals broadcaster Dave Pasch paid homage to McCoy by using his famous catchphrase “Shazam!” after rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. scored a touchdown. This heartfelt tribute resonated with fans familiar with McCoy’s iconic style.

The news of McCoy’s passing has prompted many within the sports community, including notable figures like Greg Schulte and Tom Leander, to share their reflections and memories of him. This collective remembrance illustrates McCoy’s lasting influence in Arizona’s sports landscape.

Phoenix is home to four major professional teams: the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, NBA’s Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, and MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks. The city also hosts a wealth of sporting events, from college football’s Fiesta Bowl to NASCAR races, highlighting Arizona’s vibrant sports culture.