Michelle Beisner-Buck returned to “Monday Night Football” on ESPN with a heavy heart after the death of her mother, Mary Wright, on Oct. 29.
The NFL features reporter — who was working from home while recovering from an ankle injury she suffered in a freak accident with husband Joe Buck — was brought to tears while discussing her interview with Buccaneers running back Rachaad White, which highlighted his and his mother Rochelle’s close relationship.
“This was a very special week for me to come back, this story was also difficult for me to do because not just a week ago, on Oct. 29 our family lost one of the most incredible people that this world has ever seen when my mother Mary Beisner Wright passed away,” Buck-Beisner said. “She got her angel wings.
“And 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.’ But I knew my mom would want me to see this through. My mom loved NFL football, specifically, the Denver Broncos [Buck-Beisner is a former Broncos cheerleader], so she’s not cheering for the Chiefs (on Monday). And she also loved what I’ve been able to do with this show and tell these stories and just really get to know the people behind the helmets.”
Buck-Beisner recalled that White’s mother would always tell him to “be where your feet are and enjoy the moment,” which she said she was determined to do in her return to covering NFL games amid her recovery.
“I know for a fact, my mom, wherever she is, she is light on her feet right now and there is no pain and she is enjoying this moment,” Buck-Beisner said through tears. “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.”
Buck-Beisner also revealed her mother’s death in a recent post on Instagram, including photos and videos with their family.
The ESPN personality did not share a cause of death.
“Our Mom was a fighter. No matter the pain she was in, she fought,” Buck-Beisner wrote, including a clip of her celebrating her birthday with her mom on Oct. 15. “Prize fighter kinda toughness. She held on for a long time. A very long time.
“… 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. This much I know….My mom was a ‘fan favorite,’ so wherever she is, I have no doubt that there is laughter and there is dancing, and a there is a good glass of Chardonnay. 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.”
Buck-Beisner was wearing an orthopedic walking boot while on the sidelines for the Chiefs-Buccaneers game amid her recovery from a “freak accident” with her husband — ESPN’s top NFL play-by-play broadcaster — on a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico on July 7.
Taking to his X account in September, Buck explained that he drilled her in the ankle with a golf ball, which required surgery after complications with nerve damage.
