Word came down on Friday night, that NFL writer and ESPN great, John Clayton, has passed away. He was 67 years old.
Fans on social media celebrated his life and work. Mostly, with his “This is Sportscenter” commercial from the 90s, which took a detour from his regular professionalism and top tier work on the channel during it’s most important “Big show” era.
Personally, John Clayton will always be important to me for not only his news contributions but also to what being an analyst actually means. This would later lead to my own work as an analyst on TV which I drew inspiration from.
Rest In Peace.
Let’s go to the social media ..
after getting word about john clayton’s passing away, i think it’s time i post my favorite memory of his. pic.twitter.com/JGTC4qD62a
— at least we got johnny hekker (@vexedalways) March 19, 2022
John Clayton always brought a smile to my face. You will be missed. pic.twitter.com/lu5shEu3oD
— Stan 'the boy' Taylor (@GoodGuyAtSports) March 19, 2022
Wow! RIP John Clayton! Gotta bring back his classic "This Is SportsCenter" commercial https://t.co/FqfQldVe0z pic.twitter.com/iUsSs3R5JX
— Follow @FTB_VIDS (@FTB_VIDS) March 19, 2022
John Clayton, good friend, great reporter. Be at ease.
— Woody Paige (@woodypaige) March 19, 2022
John Clayton and Sean Salisbury were the inspiration for PTI at ESPN. The two had great chemistry and loved to banter. They continued on radio long after their ESPN days and the magic was still there.
— Rudy Martzke (@FakeRudyMartzke) March 19, 2022
RIP John Clayton. HOF NFL insider. Pittsburgh guy. Worked until the end. A weekly guest with The PM Team. Took the time to get interviewed by a podcast w/ ~1,000 followers. Total class act in every way, shape and form.
— Donny Chedrick (@DonChed54) March 19, 2022
John Clayton is a legend.
He treated a 22 year old rookie like an equal when I joined KJR. I was so blessed to see him every Saturday for years doing a show after his. Thank you John for being a friend and mentor. My heart is broken for Pat and the entire Clayton family.— Dick Fain (@dickfain) March 19, 2022
Gutted. John Clayton was such a funny and fascinating man – and yes, delightfully odd! Keep his wife Pat and his many, many friends in your thoughts. RIP Professor. One of a kind. pic.twitter.com/nAiGjfPejp
— Brandi Kruse (@BrandiKruse) March 19, 2022
In 2006 I came home to work in Seattle. Walked into press box to cover a #Seahawks game a few days later. John Clayton walks up and said “welcome to Seattle. Welcome to KJR. It’s great to have you here.” A Hall of Famer. I can’t tell you how much that meant. #legend
— Ian Furness (@IanFurnessSea) March 19, 2022
My heart is heavy.
One of my childhood favorite sports personalities and reporters has passed away.
Rest easy, John Clayton.
pic.twitter.com/N1WuA83dRF— 🎙 (@LanceTHESPOKEN) March 19, 2022
A LOT of my formative years falling in love with football was spent reading and watching John Clayton. RIP to a legend. https://t.co/TAFQxoLJZC
— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) March 19, 2022
RIP John Clayton. And thank you for this classic! pic.twitter.com/fpfqfoQZni
— ¹⁶Cujo🏀 (@cujoknows) March 19, 2022
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