ESPN NFL reporter Vaughn McClure died this week, reportedly at his apartment in Atlanta. McClure was just 48.
Joining ESPN in 2013, the Chicago native was most recently on the Atlanta Falcons beat, which included covering their 2017 run to the Super Bowl. Prior to joining ESPN, McClure spent six years working at the Chicago Tribune, contributing to their coverage of the Bears.
“We all loved Vaughn,” said John Pluym, ESPN’s senior deputy editor for digital NFL coverage. “He had a heart of gold. He was so helpful to our reporters. In the last few hours, we’ve heard so many stories about how Vaughn had helped them with a story or how he put in a good word for them with a coach or player.
“Talking to Vaughn on the phone was always a joy. I loved how you could just sense the excitement in his voice for being able to cover the Falcons for ESPN. We will all miss him greatly. And I’ll end this the way Vaughn ended every phone call with a colleague: ‘Appreciate you. Love you.’ We all loved him, too.”
A 1994 graduate of Northern Illinois University, McClure’s career also saw him spend time with the South Bend Tribune, Fresno Bee and Chicago-Sun Times. In addition to covering the Falcons for NFL Nation, McClure wrote for ESPN.com and appeared on various TV and radio programs for The Worldwide Leader.
The friendships and relationships McClure built throughout the industry were on display after the news of his passing was announced, with many colleagues honoring the journalist on social media.
Brandon Contes is a former reporter for BSM, now working for Awful Announcing. You can find him on Twitter @BrandonContes or reach him by email at Brandon.Contes@gmail.com.
