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Stuart Scott and the Most Inspirational Sports Figures No Longer With Us

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Tribute to Stuart Scott and Other Inspirational Sports Figures

The 2014 ESPYS - Show
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On January 4, the sports world woke up to the shocking news that ESPN broadcaster Stuart Scott had died after a hard-fought battle with cancer. The ground-breaking broadcaster brought a new spin to the world of sports, and his death was felt around the world.

Here’s a look at some of the other inspirational sports figures who are no longer with us.

Pat Tillman

Pat Tillman
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Pat Tillman

Pat Tillman
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Tillman, who played for the Arizona Cardinals, will forever be remembered for his bravery and dedication to his country. The tough, hard-hitting safety turned down millions of dollars from the NFL to enlist in the Army. He was eventually killed by friendly fire, but epitomized the patriotic American who’s willing to put his country before personal gain.

Jim Valvano

Jim Valvano NC St
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Jim Valvano

Jim Valvano NC St
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Known for his heart-wrenching speech towards the end of his battle with cancer, Jimmy V has sealed his spot in history as one of the greatest college basketball coaches and inspiration figures of the sports world. If you haven’t seen or heard his speech given at the 1993 ESPYs, you’re missing out on one of the biggest moments in all of sports.

Chick Hearn

Chick Hearn smiles as he introduces the Lakers
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Chick Hearn

Chick Hearn smiles as he introduces the Lakers
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Not only was Hearn the voice of Lakers Nation for over 35 years, but Hearn brought about many of the common basketball phrases we use today. From “air ball” to “slam dunk,” Hearn revolutionized the way we talk about and listen to basketball, and will live on in broadcasting history as one of the most influential figures of all time.

Pat Summerall

Super Bowl XXXVI - Pat Summerall & John Madden
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Pat Summerall

Super Bowl XXXVI - Pat Summerall & John Madden
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Although he was mostly known for his work in the broadcast booth, Summerall was so much more than just John Madden’s broadcasting partner. On top of being an iconic announcer, Summerall also lived his life with the integrity, character and leadership that led to the Pat Summerall Award being created. He died in 2013 of cardiac arrest, but will forever be remembered as “royalty in the broadcast booth.”

Vince Lombardi

Vince Lombardi - United States Military Academy- File Photos
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Vince Lombardi

Vince Lombardi - United States Military Academy- File Photos
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Many remember Lombardi as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history and a true leader among men. Not only did he have a great football mind, but he molded his players into men and delivered many of the greatest quotes in sports history. However, it was his attempts to break the color barrier and bridge racial gaps that really set him apart from some of the other great NFL coaches.

Howard Cosell

Howard Cosell
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Howard Cosell

Howard Cosell
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A commentator for the initial Monday Night Football, Cosell made a lasting impact on the world of journalism. From bringing an strong, opinionated attitude to the broadcasting booth to his ground-breaking coverage of Muhammad Ali, Cosell truly shaped the future of broadcasting. He died in 1995 of a cardiac embolism, but lives on in broadcasting lore.

Arthur Ashe

Arthur Ashe
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Arthur Ashe

Arthur Ashe
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While Ashe was an excellent tennis player – and a true pioneer after becoming the first black player selected to the US Davis Cup team – it was his work with HIV and AIDS education that really set him apart. He founded the Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS and also played in a prominent role in civil rights activism. Ashe died in 1993 from AIDS-related pneumonia.

Ralph Wilson

Pro Football Hall of Fame Press Conference
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Ralph Wilson

Pro Football Hall of Fame Press Conference
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One of the founding owners of the AFL, which eventually merged with the NFL to become what it is today, Wilson is considered one of the pioneers of today’s NFL. Throughout his time as the owner of the Buffalo Bills, Wilson helped to make positive change for the game of football, often putting the interests of the fans ahead of the owner’s interests. Wilson was also very active in giving back to the community of Buffalo.

Brian Piccolo

NFL Historical Imagery
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Brian Piccolo

NFL Historical Imagery
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While Piccolo didn’t do anything profound and wasn’t a superstar player, the impact he had on his teammates and the love they showed for him during his fight with cancer proves how inspirational he was. Movies have been made and awards named in his honor, just further evidencing the true impact and impression he made during his short 26 years of life before falling to embryonal cell carcinoma.

Bear Bryant

Bear Bryant
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Bear Bryant

Bear Bryant
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Arguably the most iconic college football coach of all time, Bryant revolutionize the game with many of his tactics and approaches. He coached at the University of Alabama for 25 years, epitomizing the stability and loyalty that is rarely seen in sports today. On top of that, he was known as a players’ coach who spent much of his time teaching his team to be great young men, not just great football players.

RIP Stuart Scott

NBA Finals Game 2: Miami Heat v Dallas Mavericks
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RIP Stuart Scott

NBA Finals Game 2: Miami Heat v Dallas Mavericks
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A legendary sports broadcaster and trend setter who made the stale ESPN broadcast a thing of the past, Scott was the epitome of toughness and perseverance. Although cancer has taken him from us, his legacy will live on. He was as cool as the other side of the pillow.

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