John Clayton ESPN cause of death news – NFL reporter’s SportsCenter commercial goes viral after he died from illness

Russell Wilson’s tribute

Russell Wilson shared a brief tribute to John Clayton on Twitter.

“We will all miss your words and brilliance @JohnClaytonNFL #RIPJohnClayton,” he wrote.

NFL Commissioner releases statement

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement following John Clayton’s death.

“John Clayton, one of the first ‘Insiders,’ helped bring fans closer to the game they loved,” Goodell wrote.

“For five decades, he covered the league with endless energy and professionalism. He earned my tremendous respect and admiration as a journalist but more importantly as a wonderful person, particularly as it relates to the love, care, and devotion to his wife Pat.

“We will miss John and send our deepest condolences to Pat and his sister Amy,” the statement concluded.

What awards has Clayton won?

In 2007, Clayton was honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame with the Dick McCann Memorial Award. This honor placed him in the Hall of Fame’s writer’s wing.

In 2001, he was also inducted into his alma mater’s athletics hall of fame, Duquesne University.

Gary Belsky remembers John Clayton’s NYC visits

Gary Belsky, former editor in chief of ESPN The Magazine, shared memories of John Clayton to his Facebook page.

“His visits to New york City were something we looked forward to,” Belsky wrote of Clayton.

“He loved funk music and was a font of NFL insights. It was said, and I overheard phone conversations that supported the rumors, that NFL GMs called him for help in understanding the salary cap.”

ESPN Sports Reporter remembers ‘legend’ John Clayton

ESPN Sports Reporter Jeff Darlington took to Twitter on Friday night to mourn the loss of a “legend.”

He wrote: “When I first met John Clayton, I was so nervous to meet a legend.

“After all, he helped carve the path for guys like me — sportswriters who aspired to work at ESPN.

“I never imagined he would become a great friend. I’m so sad. But so very fortunate to have known such a kind soul.”

Career in ESPN

Clayton joined ESPN as a reporter in 1995, and eventually added a weekly radio program during the NFL offseason to his responsibilities.

He co-hosted the show with Sean Salisbury, a former NFL quarterback, and included Four Downs, a debate with Salisbury about current NFL topics.

On May 31, 2017, Clayton was laid off from ESPN.

Who founded ESPN?

The company was founded by Bill Rasmussen, his son, Scott Rasmussen, and Ed Eagan.

Originally called ESP, the company was incorporated for just $91 in 1978.

The company’s original headquarters was in Bristol, Connecticut.

ESPN Layoffs

In the spring of 2017, ESPN laid off about 100 employees, including John Clayton.

The layoffs came as the company was budgeting money for broadcast rights to the NFL, NBA, and other programs.

What is ESPN?

ESPN is a cable channel that features sports-related programming.

The channel focuses on live and pre-taped games, sports talk shows, and more original programming.

ESPN was founded in 1978, and launched in 1979.

John Clayton’s touching goodbye to ESPN

When John Clayton left ESPN in 2017, he posted a heartfelt tweet about the network – but he made it clear that as much as he enjoyed sports, he had one true love.

“I can honestly say that my relationship with ESPN was the second best in my life,” Clayton wrote.

“My marriage to my wife Pat is obviously No. 1.”

When did John Clayton begin his career?

Clayton began his career as a professional reporter at the age of 17, covering the NFL for the Washington Post, ESPN, and other publications.

He subsequently covered the Steelers for the Pittsburgh Press and the Seahawks for the Tacoma News Tribune, according to Deadline.

He joined ESPN in 1995 and worked there until 2017 when he wrote and broadcasted on football.

Tacoma News Tribune tribute, continued

Clayton’s biggest strength as a reporter was his wide network of sources, Zeeck told the Tribune.

“Impeccable, in every nook and cranny of the NFL. His ability to engender trust and respect was unmatched,” Zeeck said.

“That’s what got him the great stories, ahead of everybody else.

“Those phone calls, regularly, from the top coaches and general managers in the league really impressed me,” Zeeck continued.

“That just doesn’t happen with any but the very best reporters in any subject.”

Tacoma News Tribune colleagues’ tribute

In a tribute to Clayton, his former employer, the Tacoma News Tribune, shared stories from writers and editors who worked with Clayton in the 1990s.

Editor David Zeeck remembered learning about Clayton’s astute reporting from the other staff who revered him.

“In my first few days, I heard the operator call John to tell him to pick up a line because Tom Landry (retired from the Cowboys) was on the phone. Or Bill Parcells, then coach of the Patriots,” Zeeck said.

“Tom Flores called me to complain that John reported a player signing — accurately — before his own player-personnel people confirmed it to the coach.”

Who is Clayton survived by?

Along with his wife Pat, JohnClayton is survived by his sister Amy.

Clayton also leaves behind his son, Gerald Clayton.

Where did Clayton die?

Clayton died at Overlake Medical Center in Bellevue, Washington, according to Mike Sando, a senior writer for The Athletic and a longtime friend of Clayton’s.

John Clayton’s voicemails

In a heartbreaking piece penned by NFL journalist Bill Williamson, the writer wrote about how he’ll remember the late Professor — by replaying his voicemails.

“I only have a small amount of voicemails in my phone history and most of them, naturally, were left by ‘The Professor,'” Williamson said.

“I listened to all of them.”

When is John Clayton Day?

In 2018, John Clayton’s hometown of Braddock, Pennsylvania named March 18 “John Clayton Day.”

He commemorated the special day on Twitter, sharing a photo of himself with the proclamation.

“Thank you Braddock for making me what I am,” Clayton wrote.

Reporter’s story about Clayton, part two

“I was nervous, but I had to introduce myself. I had no expectation he’d give me the time of day. Instead, he treated a college intern like a colleague. He was generous with advice, sharing tips on how to grow as a reporter, how to progress in this business.

“Four years later in Seattle, before my first game covering the Packers, I saw a familiar face walking down press row. It was John Clayton shaking hands with fellow reporters before kickoff. When he got to me, I told him about that Panthers practice. He smiled, congratulated me.”

Reporter shares story about John Clayton

On Twitter, Green Bay Press-Gazette writer Ryan Wood shared a story about meeting John Clayton.

“When I was an intern at The Charlotte Observer in 2010, dreaming of working an NFL beat, I spent an OTA practice on the sideline of the Carolina Panthers,” Wood wrote.

“On this day, I was lucky enough to stand next to John Clayton. Of course, I knew who John Clayton was. Respected him. Even revered him. He embodied all the things I hoped to be as an NFL reporter.”

Friends remember Clayton’s love for wife

One of the most consistent threads in tributes to John Clayton has been stories about his love for his wife Pat.

“Condolences to John Clayton’s wife Pat,” wrote The Arizona Republic reporter Kent Somers. “He adored her.”

And ESPN’s Dianna Russini shared that every Friday, Clayton took his wife out on a date.

How did John Clayton die?

Clayton’s cause of death has not been completely confirmed.

According to ESPN, the 67-year-old Hall of Famer died Friday following a brief illness.

‘There will never be another John Clayton’

Brady Henderson, a Seattle Seahawk reporter for ESPN, remembered John Clayton for knowing “things before most people in the building did.”

He explained: “I don’t know how he made time to sleep, let alone be as devoted of a husband as he was.

“I also got a kick out of his quirks, like his penchant for prefacing things with ‘let’s put it this way.’

“Well, let’s put it this way: there will never be another John Clayton. RIP, Professor.”

‘Humble, selfless, gem of a guy’

Sports Illustrated’s Andrew Brandt expressed his sadness after hearing news ofJohn Clayton’s passing.

He tweeted: “When I joined ESPN he shepherded me through all the shows, made sure I knew my way around.

“Liked and respected not only by all in media but by all NFL team coaches and executives.

“Humble, selfless, gem of a guy. What a loss.”

Seattle Seahawks are ‘heartbroken’

“The Seahawks are heartbroken to learn of the passing of John Clayton after a battle with a brief illness at the age of 67,” the Seattle Seahawks said in a statement.

“Rest In Peace, The Professor,” the organization wrote.

Working until the end

Clayton’s last tweet was on March 10, about the Seattle Seahawks.

Russell Wilson’s tribute

Russell Wilson shared a brief tribute to John Clayton on Twitter.

“We will all miss your words and brilliance @JohnClaytonNFL #RIPJohnClayton,” he wrote.

NFL Commissioner releases statement

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement following John Clayton’s death.

“John Clayton, one of the first ‘Insiders,’ helped bring fans closer to the game they loved,” Goodell wrote.

“For five decades, he covered the league with endless energy and professionalism. He earned my tremendous respect and admiration as a journalist but more importantly as a wonderful person, particularly as it relates to the love, care, and devotion to his wife Pat.

“We will miss John and send our deepest condolences to Pat and his sister Amy,” the statement concluded.

What awards has Clayton won?

In 2007, Clayton was honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame with the Dick McCann Memorial Award. This honor placed him in the Hall of Fame’s writer’s wing.

In 2001, he was also inducted into his alma mater’s athletics hall of fame, Duquesne University.

Gary Belsky remembers John Clayton’s NYC visits

Gary Belsky, former editor in chief of ESPN The Magazine, shared memories of John Clayton to his Facebook page.

“His visits to New york City were something we looked forward to,” Belsky wrote of Clayton.

“He loved funk music and was a font of NFL insights. It was said, and I overheard phone conversations that supported the rumors, that NFL GMs called him for help in understanding the salary cap.”

ESPN Sports Reporter remembers ‘legend’ John Clayton

ESPN Sports Reporter Jeff Darlington took to Twitter on Friday night to mourn the loss of a “legend.”

He wrote: “When I first met John Clayton, I was so nervous to meet a legend.

“After all, he helped carve the path for guys like me — sportswriters who aspired to work at ESPN.

“I never imagined he would become a great friend. I’m so sad. But so very fortunate to have known such a kind soul.”

Career in ESPN

Clayton joined ESPN as a reporter in 1995, and eventually added a weekly radio program during the NFL offseason to his responsibilities.

He co-hosted the show with Sean Salisbury, a former NFL quarterback, and included Four Downs, a debate with Salisbury about current NFL topics.

On May 31, 2017, Clayton was laid off from ESPN.

Who founded ESPN?

The company was founded by Bill Rasmussen, his son, Scott Rasmussen, and Ed Eagan.

Originally called ESP, the company was incorporated for just $91 in 1978.

The company’s original headquarters was in Bristol, Connecticut.

ESPN Layoffs

In the spring of 2017, ESPN laid off about 100 employees, including John Clayton.

The layoffs came as the company was budgeting money for broadcast rights to the NFL, NBA, and other programs.

What is ESPN?

ESPN is a cable channel that features sports-related programming.

The channel focuses on live and pre-taped games, sports talk shows, and more original programming.

ESPN was founded in 1978, and launched in 1979.

John Clayton’s touching goodbye to ESPN

When John Clayton left ESPN in 2017, he posted a heartfelt tweet about the network – but he made it clear that as much as he enjoyed sports, he had one true love.

“I can honestly say that my relationship with ESPN was the second best in my life,” Clayton wrote.

“My marriage to my wife Pat is obviously No. 1.”

When did John Clayton begin his career?

Clayton began his career as a professional reporter at the age of 17, covering the NFL for the Washington Post, ESPN, and other publications.

He subsequently covered the Steelers for the Pittsburgh Press and the Seahawks for the Tacoma News Tribune, according to Deadline.

He joined ESPN in 1995 and worked there until 2017 when he wrote and broadcasted on football.

Tacoma News Tribune tribute, continued

Clayton’s biggest strength as a reporter was his wide network of sources, Zeeck told the Tribune.

“Impeccable, in every nook and cranny of the NFL. His ability to engender trust and respect was unmatched,” Zeeck said.

“That’s what got him the great stories, ahead of everybody else.

“Those phone calls, regularly, from the top coaches and general managers in the league really impressed me,” Zeeck continued.

“That just doesn’t happen with any but the very best reporters in any subject.”

Tacoma News Tribune colleagues’ tribute

In a tribute to Clayton, his former employer, the Tacoma News Tribune, shared stories from writers and editors who worked with Clayton in the 1990s.

Editor David Zeeck remembered learning about Clayton’s astute reporting from the other staff who revered him.

“In my first few days, I heard the operator call John to tell him to pick up a line because Tom Landry (retired from the Cowboys) was on the phone. Or Bill Parcells, then coach of the Patriots,” Zeeck said.

“Tom Flores called me to complain that John reported a player signing — accurately — before his own player-personnel people confirmed it to the coach.”

Who is Clayton survived by?

Along with his wife Pat, JohnClayton is survived by his sister Amy.

Clayton also leaves behind his son, Gerald Clayton.

Where did Clayton die?

Clayton died at Overlake Medical Center in Bellevue, Washington, according to Mike Sando, a senior writer for The Athletic and a longtime friend of Clayton’s.

John Clayton’s voicemails

In a heartbreaking piece penned by NFL journalist Bill Williamson, the writer wrote about how he’ll remember the late Professor — by replaying his voicemails.

“I only have a small amount of voicemails in my phone history and most of them, naturally, were left by ‘The Professor,'” Williamson said.

“I listened to all of them.”

When is John Clayton Day?

In 2018, John Clayton’s hometown of Braddock, Pennsylvania named March 18 “John Clayton Day.”

He commemorated the special day on Twitter, sharing a photo of himself with the proclamation.

“Thank you Braddock for making me what I am,” Clayton wrote.

Reporter’s story about Clayton, part two

“I was nervous, but I had to introduce myself. I had no expectation he’d give me the time of day. Instead, he treated a college intern like a colleague. He was generous with advice, sharing tips on how to grow as a reporter, how to progress in this business.

“Four years later in Seattle, before my first game covering the Packers, I saw a familiar face walking down press row. It was John Clayton shaking hands with fellow reporters before kickoff. When he got to me, I told him about that Panthers practice. He smiled, congratulated me.”

Reporter shares story about John Clayton

On Twitter, Green Bay Press-Gazette writer Ryan Wood shared a story about meeting John Clayton.

“When I was an intern at The Charlotte Observer in 2010, dreaming of working an NFL beat, I spent an OTA practice on the sideline of the Carolina Panthers,” Wood wrote.

“On this day, I was lucky enough to stand next to John Clayton. Of course, I knew who John Clayton was. Respected him. Even revered him. He embodied all the things I hoped to be as an NFL reporter.”

Friends remember Clayton’s love for wife

One of the most consistent threads in tributes to John Clayton has been stories about his love for his wife Pat.

“Condolences to John Clayton’s wife Pat,” wrote The Arizona Republic reporter Kent Somers. “He adored her.”

And ESPN’s Dianna Russini shared that every Friday, Clayton took his wife out on a date.

How did John Clayton die?

Clayton’s cause of death has not been completely confirmed.

According to ESPN, the 67-year-old Hall of Famer died Friday following a brief illness.

‘There will never be another John Clayton’

Brady Henderson, a Seattle Seahawk reporter for ESPN, remembered John Clayton for knowing “things before most people in the building did.”

He explained: “I don’t know how he made time to sleep, let alone be as devoted of a husband as he was.

“I also got a kick out of his quirks, like his penchant for prefacing things with ‘let’s put it this way.’

“Well, let’s put it this way: there will never be another John Clayton. RIP, Professor.”

‘Humble, selfless, gem of a guy’

Sports Illustrated’s Andrew Brandt expressed his sadness after hearing news ofJohn Clayton’s passing.

He tweeted: “When I joined ESPN he shepherded me through all the shows, made sure I knew my way around.

“Liked and respected not only by all in media but by all NFL team coaches and executives.

“Humble, selfless, gem of a guy. What a loss.”

Seattle Seahawks are ‘heartbroken’

“The Seahawks are heartbroken to learn of the passing of John Clayton after a battle with a brief illness at the age of 67,” the Seattle Seahawks said in a statement.

“Rest In Peace, The Professor,” the organization wrote.

Working until the end

Clayton’s last tweet was on March 10, about the Seattle Seahawks.