Former SportsCenter anchor and ESPN television personality Stuart Scott passed away at the age of 49 on Sunday morning after succumbing to cancer.
He leaves behind two beautiful daughters, an ex-wife and a girlfriend. He also leaves behind a legacy stronger than anyone could have imagined. A man that defined what it meant to be cool on-air and reach out to millions of young Americans who felt like he was one of them. Scott didn’t just provide us highlights from the day in sports, he was the highlight.
Growing up, I remember the first time Scott appeared on ESPN. It was a golden era for the four-letter sports leader. With the Dan Patrick’s, Keith Olbermann’s and Rich Eisen’s of the world, Scott added his own flavor. A flavor that has been copied, but will never be duplicated.
During his latest battle with cancer, Scott acted as an inspiration to so many that have been impacted (directly or indirectly) by the disease. His willingness to fight it in a public forum, to speak at the ESPY’s. His willingness to display what it meant to find his way to fight this disease with millions looking on. That’s the the strength and passion that defined Scott’s life.
Needless to say, Scott inspired many of us here at Sportsnaut to get into the sports journalism world. He was a beacon for hope for us growing up. He also leaves a lasting imprint on so many others around the sports world.
Here is how some paid tribute to Scott after it was announced that he passed away on Sunday.
Truly saddened to wake up and hear about the passing of Stuart Scott. Honored to have known him. Rest in peace my friend you will be missed.
— Johnny Manziel (@JManziel2) January 4, 2015
Colts will ask for a moment of silence before today's game in honor of Stuart Scott. That shows you the respect and impact the man had.
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) January 4, 2015
Thoughts and prayers go out to the Scott and ESPN families. @StuartScott you will always be as cool as the other side of the pillow my man.
— Jon Lester (@JLester34) January 4, 2015
He was as cool as the other side of the pillow & will be missed. Prayers up @StuartScott & family#RIPStuartScott pic.twitter.com/HXuf7qcbMy
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) January 4, 2015
A misty-eyed @BruceArians began today's press conference w thoughts on passing of @ESPN's Stuart Scott pic.twitter.com/oq7IKxCXrI
— Mark Dalton (@CardsMarkD) January 4, 2015
https://twitter.com/CupOfLoMo/status/551780949319368704
The only interview that mattered was the Stuart Scott interview on the last day of the NBA season #RIPStuartScott pic.twitter.com/5ZdDoKz3HG
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) January 4, 2015
https://twitter.com/DougBaldwinJr/status/551780207502168065
Stuart Scott had a huge influence on a whole generation of journalists. His style inspired me to go into broadcasting. Thx. #RIPStuartScott
— Amber Theoharis (@AmberTheoharis) January 4, 2015
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Stuart Scott. He was a great innovator and I was lucky to call him a friend.
— Barry Sanders (@BarrySanders) January 4, 2015
Bro text me to ask about Stuart Scott passing…turned on TV to see it's true. Son asked me what happened…words couldn't come out. RIP STU
— Desmond Howard (@DesmondHoward) January 4, 2015
Rip @StuartScott. You did it right, @SportsCenter will never be the same. #GoneButNeverForgotten
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) January 4, 2015
Tom Jackson, @CrisCarter80, Mike Ditka and Keyshawn Johnson share their emotional memories of Stuart Scott » http://t.co/XC2xJPmO5T
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) January 4, 2015
You will hear a common theme from the people closest to Stuart Scott…he was always full of life and cancer did not stop that.
— Donté Stallworth (@DonteStallworth) January 4, 2015
Rest in peace, Stuart Scott. A genuinely good guy.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) January 4, 2015
Wow, just woke up to the new of Stuart Scott's passing. Glad my path crossed yours Stu. You will be missed. #RIP
— byron chamberlain (@bc_chamberlain) January 4, 2015
Stuart wasn't covering heroes & champions, it was the other way around. Thinking of my friend & his daughters.
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) January 4, 2015
#StuartScottSayings changed the game #BOOYAH #donthatetheplayerhatethegame R.I.P to a sportscasting Legend
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 4, 2015
Incredible @StuartScott tribute from @SportsCenter http://t.co/AcyyTWFqx9
— Spotrac (@spotrac) January 4, 2015
By far, the best tribute came from Stu’s former ESPN colleague and friend Rich Eisen.
"I love you Stuart. Wherever you are, Godspeed."@richeisen remembers Stuart Scott: http://t.co/XEszXvpX9X pic.twitter.com/Ep611VGSvu
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) January 4, 2015
Let’s also take some time to listen to the amazing speech Scott gave at the 2014 ESPY’s while battling cancer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9cSX5XPY70
You sir, are an inspiration to so many and the world is lesser without you in it.
BOOYAH!