The death of ESPN host and play-by-play man John Saunders has come as a shock to the sports media industry. Whether you watched him as host of college football on ABC or as the host of The Sports Reporters, Saunders exuded class and dignity. He wasn’t a host who shouted or said something just to draw attention to himself. And his career spanned from ESPN’s infancy in the 1980’s to its current status as a sports media giant. But through it all, Saunders was always true to himself and that has been reflected in the tributes on Twitter in the short time after his passing.
Whether it was current or former ESPN’ers or even those who only knew Saunders from watching him on television, the theme for the tributes was the same:
John's passion for his family, his nation, his favorite sport & the V foundation will stay with me forever. As will his kindness and support
— MikeTirico (@miketirico) August 10, 2016
Just last night we had a Vault feature including John Saunders. I smiled at the sight of John, Bob & Boom together. This is gutting news.
— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) August 10, 2016
Outside the Lines and ESPN mourn the loss of our friend, John Saunders. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
— Outside the Lines (@OTLonESPN) August 10, 2016
Wow I am devastated with the news about my buddy John Saunders / A gr8 family man / just a fab guy RIP Love You pic.twitter.com/CuBIPu57Rz
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) August 10, 2016
John Saunders was a better person than a host, which is saying something. Classy. Professional. I can't even describe his impact on me.
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) August 10, 2016
Maybe it's the accumulation of our losses but this one is overwhelming me as I sit in my kitchen alone on a rainy Wednesday. #JohnSaunders
— BucciOT.Com (@Buccigross) August 10, 2016
John Saunders, one of the best ever at ESPN. Never ever heard a negative word about him from people in the business or viewers. RIP.
— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) August 10, 2016
https://twitter.com/juliedicaro/status/763396515821981696
Thank you John Saunders for setting such a high standard. Smart, tough, classy and the ultimate professional. You will be sorely missed.
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) August 10, 2016
Sad to hear of the passing of a good man. John Saunders. Proud Canadian. ESPN star. Gone too soon.
— John Shannon (@JShannonhl) August 10, 2016
A heartbreaking, crushing loss. John Saunders was a giant of sports journalism and a true gen. We'll miss him. RIP. pic.twitter.com/r7LFeIzBld
— Don Van Natta Jr. (@DVNJr) August 10, 2016
I'm shocked, saddened. Can't believe one of the best, John Saunders, has passed away at 61. All time great guy. Heartbroken for his family.
— Linda Cohn (@lindacohn) August 10, 2016
John Saunders and I started the same week and were paired together on the 7pm SportsCenter in 1987. We remained close & shared everything.
— Tim Brando (@TimBrando) August 10, 2016
I can't think of a loss (at this point) of my life that hurts more. John's older brother Bernie is also a dear friend and I pray for him.
— Tim Brando (@TimBrando) August 10, 2016
John Saunders mentored countless new-hire ESPN anchors, including me. Thankful for his time. Heartsick for his family. Safe home, sir.
— Randy Scott (@RandyScottESPN) August 10, 2016
https://twitter.com/KirkHerbstreit/status/763392326446288897
I first met John Saunders while working in St. Louis. John came to town as part of a celebrity hockey game we… https://t.co/UCYaOBObcJ
— trey wingo (@wingoz) August 10, 2016
John Saunders was a true professional who always welcomed we w/ a hearty handshake & big ol "RoFlo!!".
I'm so sorry to hear this news— Robert Flores (@RoFlo) August 10, 2016
The news of John Saunders' death could not be more crushing. We all loved him dearly. We grieve. We will miss him. Can't replace the man.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) August 10, 2016
John Saunders worked at ESPN since 1986. He was a founding board member of V Foundation. He hosted Sports Reporters. He was 61 and beloved.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 10, 2016
The times I got to be around John Saunders were special. Just different. Classy. Funny. I truly was a fan.
— Michelle Beadle (@MichelleDBeadle) August 10, 2016
In days to come, sports fan will find out about the incredible impact John Saunders had @ESPN. Beyond his on-air talent, was mentor to many.
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) August 10, 2016
Such sad news this morning about the passing of our colleague, John Saunders. Exceptionally gracious and kind. Thoughts are with his family.
— Stephania Bell (@Stephania_ESPN) August 10, 2016
So incredibly sad to hear that John Saunders has passed. He was a role model, a gentleman & a first-class reporter/anchor. RIP to a legend.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) August 10, 2016
The news of John Saunders' death could not be more crushing. We all loved him dearly. We grieve. We will miss him. Can't replace the man.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) August 10, 2016
I just did a panel with John Saunders and @jemelehill last Friday at NABJ. He was amazing as always. My friend. My mentor. My dude. Love u.
— Jay Harris (@JayHarrisESPN) August 10, 2016
Devastated. John Saunders was so good to me and so many of us. He was so kind and easy going. We lost a legend. Say a prayer for his family.
— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) August 10, 2016
Prayers and condolences to the John Saunders family. We lost a great teammate. Great example and mentor to aspiring broadcasters.
— Rece Davis (@ReceDavis) August 10, 2016
RIP John Saunders.
Sad day.— JT The Brick (@JTTheBrick) August 10, 2016
John Saunders passes, proving yet again that the deity is working off the wrong list.
— Ray Ratto (@RattoIndy) August 10, 2016
https://twitter.com/anishespn/status/763390212772925442
John was one of the first in the biz to tell me forget abt the naysayers and remember why you are where you are..bc you love the game..
— Erin Andrews (@ErinAndrews) August 10, 2016
John Saunders played for Western Michigan in the 70s. Bet you didnt even know that. Loved John Saunders pic.twitter.com/mJkBf6LtPK
— Chief (@BarstoolChief) August 10, 2016
Here is how Hannah Storm announced Saunders’ passing on SportsCenter this morning:
As you can see, Saunders influenced many at ESPN and outside the network’s walls. He will be missed.
