Braddock, Pennsylvania, welcomed John Clayton into the world on May 11, 1954. Fans all across the world loved John, also known by the moniker “The Professor,” who was a seasoned NFL commentator and sportscaster.
He started writing about sports while still in high school, and then he joined the Daily Press to write about the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 1986, John relocated across the nation for a position at The News Tribune in Tacoma, Washington, where he later began covering the Seattle Seahawks. bol
What Was John Clayton’s Cause Of Death?
John Clayton’s Cause of Death: John Clayton, a former NFL analyst and broadcaster, passed away on Friday following a “brief illness.” He was 67.
According to a statement from Seattle, Clayton, also known as “The Professor,” spent 23 years working for The Pittsburgh Press and Tacoma News Tribune as a beat reporter covering the Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers, and NFL.
In 1995, he made the transition to work for ESPN as an NFL insider. Additionally, he had recently been on the radio, anchoring the Seattle show The John Clayton Weekends and providing game-day commentary for the Seattle Seahawks Radio Network.
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His “long and distinguished reporting on professional football,” according to the Seahawks, earned him the Dick McCann Award in 2007.
“For five decades, he covered the league with endless energy and professionalism,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement Saturday. “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.”
The Steelers described Clayton as a “Pittsburgh media icon” who later “became one of the most respected national NFL reporters” in a statement released late on Friday.
Clayton served as a selector for the Pro Football Hall of Fame for a significant amount of time, and the organization tweeted, “His impact and contribution to the game of football will be missed.”
On Friday, the ESPN network tweeted Clayton’s family their sympathy. Over the years, “The Professor” taught every one of us something, and we will miss him greatly.
What Comments Were Made Regarding His Passing?
Sports reporter for ESPN Jeff Darlington expressed his sorrow about John’s passing on Twitter.
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.”
John Clayton, one of our NFL insiders who expertly covered the league for more than 20 years at ESPN, died Friday at 67 after a brief illness:
We all learned something from “The Professor” over the years and we will miss him dearly. pic.twitter.com/bfiPCPUYZo
— ESPN (@espn) March 19, 2022
Andrew Brandt of Sports Illustrated expressed his sorrow at learning of John 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.”
John Clayton was the kindest person. This was my first sideline job for the NFL. He found me, gave me advice, gave me some information for the broadcast and as always, wanted to talk about Braddock, PA. Thank you for everything John, I am so grateful for your friendship. RIP ♥️ pic.twitter.com/i28uOSexT0
— Joy Taylor (@JoyTaylorTalks) March 19, 2022
The Seattle Seahawks expressed their remorse on their Twitter page, saying: “The Seahawks are heartbroken to learn of the passing of John Clayton after a battle with a brief illness at the age of 67. Rest In Peace, The Professor.”
Following John Clayton’s passing, sportswriter Sheil Kapadia tweeted a heartfelt message about a moment he shared with Clayton:
“My first week on the job, John Clayton insisted I stop by his house so he could show me around,” he wrote. “Gave me turn-by-turn directions on the phone, came outside to flag me down, invited me in to meet his wife. Showed me a park to take my kids and where to grab a quick bite.”
“For 2 years, was willing to help with anything I needed,” he added. “Would call just to catch up and fill me in on what he was hearing. It struck me how much he loved his job. Completely in his element covering practice or a game.” “A genuinely kind man and legendary football writer. RIP.”
My first week on the job, John Clayton insisted I stop by his house so he could show me around.
Gave me turn-by-turn directions on the phone, came outside to flag me down, invited me in to meet his wife.
Showed me a park to take my kids and where to grab a quick bite.
— Sheil Kapadia (@SheilKapadia) March 19, 2022
Career
Clayton was praised for helping “bring fans closer to the game they loved” by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in a statement issued on Saturday:
“For five decades, he covered the league with endless energy and professionalism,” said Goodell, 63. “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.”
Statement from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on the passing of John Clayton: https://t.co/xUOiO7MUFe pic.twitter.com/YQ8jhxT05K
— NFL345 (@NFL345) March 19, 2022
According to ESPN, Clayton started his career as a youngster when he started writing about the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1972, just before enrolling in Duquesne University. The Pittsburgh Press employed the Braddock, Pennsylvania native during his senior year.
According to the Seahawks and Seattle Sports, Clayton covered the Steelers and the Seahawks for the Press and The Tacoma Tribune for 23 years. He was employed by ESPN in 1995 as an NFL insider, where he spent more than 20 years covering the league.
During his tenure with ESPN, Clayton starred in one of the most enduring SportsCenter advertisements, in which, just seconds after appearing on the network, he changes from a polished NFL insider to an ardent Slayer fan.
Ten days ago, Clayton discussed the significant Russell Wilson deal with the Denver Broncos on Seattle Sports at 710 AM. As the Seahawks try to rebuild, Clayton published an article in his farewell tweet on March 10 that analyzed what lies ahead for the team.
Wilson, 33, expressed his grief for Clayton’s demise on Twitter after learning of his passing. The quarterback wrote, “@JohnClaytonNFL #RIPJohnClayton, we will all miss your words and brilliance.”
We will all miss your words and brilliance @JohnClaytonNFL #RIPJohnClayton
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) March 19, 2022
In the wake of Clayton’s passing, numerous other former and current NFL players paid tribute to him. Julian Edelman, a former member of the New England Patriots, was one of many Clayton admirers to share the late broadcaster’s famous SportsCenter ad on social media.
