ESPN play-by-play commentator Mark Jones received “multiple tributes” during Sunday’s Magic-Celtics game, which marked his “final” game for ESPN. Jones was joined by longtime colleague Doris Burke for the game. The first came “moments before tip-off.” Burke said, “I just want you to know, everybody involved in the truck, here courtside, we are honored to be here with you.” A more elaborate tribute followed midway through the fourth quarter, “recapping Jones’s impressive ESPN career over the last 36 years.” Jones, with a crack in his voice as Burke also held back tears, said, “I am so grateful to be able to take this journey with you and so many of my other wonderful colleagues at ESPN for 36 years. I couldn’t do anything and wouldn’t do anything differently. Thank you” (SI, 4/12).
ESPN's @heydb with a final tribute to longtime partner and friend @MarkJonesESPN in the closing minutes of his sign-off ESPN telecast after 36 years. pic.twitter.com/vEqtOVzeOm
— bill hofheimer (@bhofheimer_espn) April 13, 2026
Jones, posting to Bluesky, confirmed Saturday that the Sunday broadcast would be his last with the network. He wrote, “As I move on to my next chapter I believe my best work is yet to come. I’ll be out there cookin’ hotter than fish grease!” (BLUESKY, 4/11).
