Joe Buck Reveals Gnarly Black Eye He Got 'While Breaking Up a Fight'
Joe Buck found out that dad life can sometimes be rough, literally.
The legendary Monday Night Football play-by-play announcer took to social media on Saturday to praise ESPN makeup artist Kathleen Vybihal after deftly covering up a black eye to get him camera-ready for Saturday's NFC showdown between the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers.
That game was undoubtedly one of the most-watched games, as the winner would secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC for the upcoming NFL playoffs. The Seahawks won the game, and Buck announced the game without a hitch.
But little did the millions tuning in know that Buck performed his duties while sporting a black eye. The 56-year-old son of legendary broadcaster Jack Buck shared that Vybihal came to the rescue, and Buck heaped praise on her after a job well done.
"Not all heroes wear capes, but some bring them to work," Buck shared. "Our makeup artiste, the great Kathleen Vybihal hid this from high def cameras tonight."
"This" being the black eye.
As for how he landed the shiner, it came from the unlikeliest of sources.
"Nothing like a knee to the eye while breaking up a fight between 7 year old twins 48 hours before a big game!!!" Buck shared. "He got me!!"
Not all heroes wear capes, but some bring them to work. Our makeup artiste, the great Kathleen Vybihal hid this from high def cameras tonight. Nothing like a knee to the eye while breaking up a fight between 7 year old twins 48 hours before a big game!!! He got me!! pic.twitter.com/mCJMSzosiL
— Joe Buck (@Buck) January 4, 2026
The during … pic.twitter.com/C5A45tCWUv
— Joe Buck (@Buck) January 4, 2026
The after … pic.twitter.com/2nhSYMBDSM
— Joe Buck (@Buck) January 4, 2026
Buck shares two daughters, Natalie and Trudy, with his first wife, Ann. They were married from 1993 to 2011.
Buck also shares twin boys, Wyatt and Blake, with his wife, Michelle Beisner-Buck, a former NFL cheerleader, NFL Network reporter, and current ESPN reporter.
The play-by-play announcer's praise for his makeup artist was shared by others who got a closer look at the before, during, and after process.
Rachel Nichols, the former ESPN reporter, agreed with Buck.
Nichols replied to Buck's tweet, "Kathleen is the absolute best!"
A separate Buck follower added, "This is a total makeup victory. It's insanely convincing!"