The sports world is mourning the loss of David Moulton, a longtime broadcaster and NFL spotter whose steady presence in the booth made him a beloved figure across Florida and beyond. He died Saturday at 59, his family announced. He had been in hospice care at the Douglas Center for Caring.
Moulton’s wife, Julie, shared the heartbreaking news in a statement, revealing that he had battled stage four renal cell cancer for six years. The disease spread to his bones two years ago, but Moulton never wavered. “He never stopped fighting or trying new treatments,” she wrote. “He loved life and loved each and every one of you more than words can express.”
For NFL fans, Moulton was the quiet professional who helped make Sunday and Thursday broadcasts run smoothly. Since 2018, he served as the spotter for Troy Aikman and Joe Buck on FOX’s top NFL crew, a role that required sharp eyes and split-second communication. Aikman paid tribute to his friend and colleague, saying, “Since 2018, David Moulton has been my right-hand man in the broadcast booth. What started as a professional relationship became a friendship I have cherished. David was loyal, dependable and a warrior until the very end.”
Aikman’s emotional message continued: “He deserved better. My heart breaks for his family and all who loved him. I’m grateful for the years we shared and will miss him deeply. Rest in peace big guy.”
Moulton’s impact stretched far beyond the NFL. He was a familiar voice in Southwest Florida, calling games for Florida Gulf Coast University and writing columns for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press from 2007 to 2018. His radio work made him a staple of the local sports scene, where he was known for his encyclopedic knowledge and genuine love for the games. In a week when broadcaster rulebook expertise has been a hot topic, Moulton’s own deep understanding of the sports he covered stood as a hallmark of his career.
Tim Brando, a longtime friend and fellow announcer, remembered Moulton as a brilliant mind who was always in demand. “Whatever happened to David it had to be sudden. We had just talked a few weeks ago,” Brando shared. He noted that Moulton also served as extra eyes for Gary Danielson at CBS Sports for many years. “A great mind, and radio personality in Florida for a lifetime. May God Bless David, and prayers to his family. Gone too soon.”
Tributes poured in from across the sports media landscape, including from SiriusXM Sports. Moulton’s death comes as the sports world continues to process other recent losses and controversies, such as the ex-NFL star’s lawsuit over surgery that has raised questions about medical care for athletes. But for those who knew Moulton, his legacy is one of professionalism, warmth, and resilience.
He is survived by his wife, Julie, and a community of colleagues, friends, and fans who will miss his voice and his spirit. As Aikman put it, Moulton was a warrior until the very end — and he will be deeply missed.
