“Rest In Peace Professor”: Legendary NFL reporter John Clayton passes away at 67 following a brief illness
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John Clayton
Popularly known as “The Professor,” John Travis Clayton was a renowned NFL writer and reporter. The senior ESPN writer was one of the most respected figures in the field. Unfortunately, following a brief illness, Clayton recently passed away at 67 years of age.
Clayton started covering sports while he was just a High School student. He started off with the Steelers’ 1972 training camp and never looked back. He worked for several radio networks as well. After his demise, the Pittsburgh Steelers paid tribute to the legend on Twitter.
John Clayton passes away at 67
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of John Clayton. He was a Pittsburgh media icon who covered the Steelers for over a decade in the 1970s and 1980s, and he continued to follow and report on the team when he moved on to become one of the most respected NFL reporters,” the Steelers Tweeted.
Moreover, the Seattle Seahawks also paid tribute to the legend. “The Seahawks are heartbroken to learn of the passing of John Clayton after a battle with a brief illness at the age of 67,” they wrote and paid condolences to his family and close ones.
“He was kind to everyone and from the minute I started covering the NFL, he made me feel welcome and offered tips on who to get to know,” NFL Media’s Judy Battista said after his demise. “He was the first person to call me when it was announced I was coming to the NFL Network and his advice about doing TV was classic: ‘Just talk like we talk in the press box.’ He loved the job,” Judy added.
Clayton also received the Dick McCann Memorial Award from the Pro Football Hall of Fame back in 2007. Indeed, his demise is a big loss to the world of the NFL. However, his legacy will go on to live as long as the great game lasts.
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Shubham Bhargava
(1813 Articles Published)