Their paths continued to intersect at various celebrity bowling events as Owens became a familiar presence around the PBA. Pedersen evolved from a celebrated bowler to one of the sport’s most recognizable broadcasters, making their encounters a unique blend of NFL pedigree and bowling expertise.
Tragedy has now given those shared moments new emotional weight, as Pedersen passed away on a recent Wednesday. Owens publicly paid tribute on social media, reflecting on the late broadcaster’s influence.
“I, along with the bowling community @PBATour, were rocked to our core to learn of the passing of a dear friend in Randy Pedersen,” Owens wrote. “Man, I can still hear your voice telling me how to release my bowling ball out in front of me. This is really heartbreaking. I wish I knew what I know now. My condolences to the family. If there’s anything I can do, please reach out to Tom Clark. We all loved Randy! Rest In Peace, Randy!!”
Pedersen passed away at the age of 64, leaving behind a significant legacy in both competition and media. He won 13 PBA Tour titles during his competitive career, including the 1987 PBA National Championship, which was his lone major win. He later added a PBA50 title in 2013 and was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame in 2011, with a later induction into the USBC Hall of Fame in 2025.
After transitioning to broadcasting in 2001, Pedersen became the PBA’s lead color analyst for 25 years, earning recognition as the longest-tenured broadcaster in PBA history. He covered many defining moments in bowling, such as Kelly Kulick’s historic 2010 Tournament of Champions victory, Pete Weber’s memorable 2012 U.S. Open title, and Jason Belmonte’s multiple major titles.
As of now, no official cause of Pedersen’s sudden passing has been disclosed. The PBA issued a statement recognizing his contributions and impact, highlighting his talents across multiple disciplines and his role as a beloved figure in the bowling community.
For Owens, Pedersen represented more than a familiar voice from bowling media. The broadcaster’s guidance helped him refine his approach to the game, underscoring the strong personal connections that can form between athletes and mentors in other sports. Pedersen’s influence extended beyond his competitive era, leaving a lasting imprint on players who crossed paths with him.
The bowling world and sports community continue to reflect on Pedersen’s impact, honoring a career that spanned competition, commentary, and camaraderie. His legacy persists through the moments he helped shape on the lanes and in front of the microphone, as teammates, friends, and fans remember a towering figure in the sport.
