Jerry Punch was born on August 20, 1953 in North Carolina. Growing up, he developed a passion for sports, particularly football, which would eventually shape his career path.
After graduating high school, Punch went on to attend North Carolina State University where he played football as a backup quarterback. It was during his time at NC State that he first discovered his interest in sports broadcasting.
After completing his undergraduate studies, Punch decided to pursue a career in medicine. He enrolled at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine and earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree.
Upon completing his medical degree, Punch began working as a licensed emergency medicine physician. However, his passion for sports never waned and he eventually transitioned into sports broadcasting.
Punch became best known for his coverage of college football and auto racing on ESPN. His in-depth knowledge of both sports, coupled with his medical background, made him a unique and respected figure in the world of sports broadcasting.
In addition to his work on ESPN, Punch also made a cameo appearance in the hit 1990 racing film "Days of Thunder," starring Tom Cruise.
Punch was married to Rebecca Apperson until 1993. He later married Joni Fields.
Aside from his work in sports broadcasting, Punch is also known for putting his medical knowledge to good use in emergency situations. One such incident occurred during a Nashville Superspeedway luncheon where Punch had to use his medical skills to revive a woman who had fainted.
Jerry Punch's career as a sports broadcaster and emergency medicine physician has left a lasting impact on both industries. His unique blend of expertise in sports and medicine has made him a respected figure in the world of broadcasting and a valuable asset to any sports coverage team.