Longtime NFL reporter John Clayton passed away on Friday. His friend Jeff Muzzy broke the news via Twitter.
Clayton began covering the NFL in 1972 while he was still in high school. He continued covering the Steelers for local publications in Pittsburgh until he left for Seattle in 1986.
Most sports fans will remember Clayton for his time at ESPN. He joined the network in 1995 and was there until 2017. During that time, Clayton became one of the nation’s top NFL insiders. His SportsCenter segments with former ESPN NFL analyst Sean Salisbury became appointment television, and his SportsCenter commercial remains one of the best ever created.
John became an important member of the Seattle sports radio scene too, starting his career at 950 KJR before moving to 710 ESPN, now know as 710 Seattle Sports. He also contributed to Seattle Seahawks radio broadcasts and made regular appearances on stations across the country including 104.3 The Fan in Denver, ESPN 1000 in Chicago, 101 ESPN in St. Louis, 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh and The Mightier 1090 in San Diego.
Friends across the sports media industry took to social media to share their grief and tributes to the man affectionately nicknamed ’The Professor’.
John Clayton was 67 years old. He is survived by his wife Pat.
My God, I am shocked and saddened by this news. John Clayton was an amazing man and an incredible talent, who never turned his back on offering his incredible insight to any station I worked at.
He was always a Pittsburgh guy, sharing his insight to a Pittsburgh guy’s radio stations.
Most of all, he is and was my friend. I’m devastated to learn of his loss. Bless you Pat, and I’m so sorry to hear this news.
Our sports world has lost an incredible mind, insight, and voice.
Rest In Peace my friend.
Damn.