Longtime NFL reporter John Clayton, known as ‘The Professor,’ has died at age 67

By Michelle Watson, CNN

Longtime NFL reporter John Clayton, who was known as “The Professor” because of his encyclopedic knowledge of the game, died Friday, according to both ESPN, where he was an analyst, and Seattle Sports, where he hosted a radio show.

Clayton was 67.

“John was a pioneer as an NFL insider but also one of the kindest men you could ever work with,” ESPN vice president and executive producer Seth Markman said, according to the network.

“He literally never said no to a show that asked him to come on — from 6 a.m. to midnight, if you asked for the Professor, he was there for you. I’ll also personally remember how he loved and cared for his beloved wife Pat as she has battled multiple sclerosis. We will all miss John greatly.”

Clayton, a native of Pittsburgh, began his sports reporting career in 1972 covering the Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Sports reported.

“We are very saddened to learn of the passing of John Clayton,” the Steelers said in a tweet. “He was a Pittsburgh media icon who covered the Steelers for over a decade in the 1970s and 1980s … Our thoughts are with his wife, Pat, during this difficult time.”

Later in his career, Clayton would cover the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma News Tribune, said the Seahawks, who said they were “heartbroken” to have learned of his passing.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame, of which Clayton was a selection committee member, expressed its condolences on Instagram, saying Clayton’s, “impact and contribution to the game of football will be missed.”

Russell Wilson, the former star quarterback for the Seahawks, said he would miss Clayton’s “words and brilliance.”

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