Joe Buck and his wife, Michelle Beisner-Buck, are going through a deeply emotional time as they mourn the loss of a beloved family member. The veteran NFL announcer, who moved from FOX to ESPN in 2022, works alongside his wife Michelle on Monday Night Football. Michelle, a former Denver Broncos cheerleader, serves as a reporter for ESPN’s NFL coverage and frequently provides segments for Monday Night Football, often reporting live from game locations.
In recent weeks, Michelle had been noticeably absent from her usual role. Initially, it was reported that her absence was due to a serious ankle injury—an injury accidentally caused by her husband, Joe Buck.
However, it has now come to light that Michelle was also dealing with an even more significant challenge: the loss of her mother, Mary Beisner Wright.
Michelle shared the heartbreaking news on ESPN’s Monday Night Football Countdown, revealing that she had lost her mother just a week prior. “This was a very special week for me to come back,” she began. “This story was also difficult for me to do because not just a week ago, on October 29, our family lost one of the most incredible people that this world has ever seen when my mother, Mary Beisner Wright, passed away. She got her angel wings.”
Michelle went on to express her gratitude for the support she received from her colleagues at ESPN. “Everyone at ESPN has been so supportive and said to me, ‘You don’t have to come back this week, you can take this one off,’” she said.
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“But I knew my mom would want me to see this through. My mom loved NFL football, specifically the Denver Broncos, so she’s not cheering for the Chiefs tonight. She also loved what I’ve been able to do with this show—to tell these stories and really get to know the people behind the helmets.”
Fighting back tears, Michelle explained why she felt compelled to be at work, honoring her mother’s memory in the process. “I know for a fact, my mom, wherever she is, she is light on her feet right now and there is no pain,” Michelle said through tears. “She is enjoying this moment. So thank you for letting me pay tribute to her, because she probably would’ve been upset if I didn’t, and I love you guys. I’m happy to be back.”
Michelle also took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute to her mother. “Our Mom was a fighter. No matter the pain she was in, she fought,” Michelle wrote. “Prize fighter kinda toughness. She held on for a long time. A very long time.” She continued, “We knew this day was coming, but nothing prepares you for this kind of loss. The pain and the void in my heart is all-consuming. My son Wyatt said it best, ‘Mommy, I’m happy that Grandma Mary isn’t in pain anymore, but now all the pain is in us.’ Yup. Nailed it, kid.”
Michelle’s post also painted a vivid picture of her mother’s spirit, capturing the essence of her personality and the joy she brought to those around her. “This much I know….My mom was a ‘fan favorite,’ so wherever she is, I have no doubt that there is laughter, there is dancing, and there is a good glass of Chardonnay,” Michelle added. “My heart breaks as I write this, but knowing she is free gives me some peace. I will hold her close. So close. My gorgeous Mama Mary. I love you so much, and am forever thankful for your unconditional love.”
The loss of Mary Beisner Wright has clearly had a profound impact on the entire Buck family, but Michelle’s determination to return to work and honor her mother’s memory is a testament to her strength and resilience. Through her tears, she has managed to find comfort in knowing that her mother is now free of pain and at peace.
As Joe Buck and Michelle navigate this incredibly difficult time, their colleagues at ESPN and fans across the country have shown an outpouring of support. It is evident that Mary Beisner Wright was a remarkable person, loved deeply by her family and remembered fondly by all who knew her.
Our thoughts are with Joe Buck, Michelle Beisner-Buck, and their entire family as they cope with this heartbreaking loss.
