Renowned American football journalist Grant Wahl, known for his work at Sports Illustrated, CBS Sports and Fox Sports, has died. US Soccer announced on Friday. he was 48 years old.
Wall was covering the World Cup quarter-finals between Argentina and the Netherlands in Qatar when he collapsed.
“The entire U.S. football family is heartbroken to learn of the loss of Grant Wall,” the federation said in a statement. I knew I could always count on Grant to provide insightful and entertaining stories about the teams, players, coaches and many of the people who make football different from other sports.”
US Football Statement on Grant Wall’s Passing: pic.twitter.com/CBp1mCK1mQ
— US Soccer (@ussoccer) December 10, 2022
A graduate of Princeton University, Wall began his career in 1996 with the Miami Herald. Throughout his 25+ year career, Wall has covered multiple World Cups and Olympic Games. In 2009, he wrote his best-selling book, The Beckham Experiment. Wall was one of 82 journalists to be honored Monday for covering eight or more men’s World Cups.
FIFA honored Wall with flowers and a picture of him on the desk that will be used to cover Saturday’s match between England and France.
A FIFA official paid tribute to Grant Wall by placing flowers and a picture of him on the desk that Wall would have used to cover England v France tonight. The now-turned-U.S. journalist tragically died after collapsing while covering Argentina vs. Holland last night. pic.twitter.com/AnADDkro4T
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) December 10, 2022
Ryan Hunt, co-editor of Sports Illustrated, said his heart was “heavy beyond words” after hearing the news of Wahl’s passing.
“Grant loved football and was passionate about his work and his story.” he tweeted. He cared deeply. It was his greatest attribute. More than that, Grant was a friend who loved to talk football. he is completely shocked. “
MLS Commissioner Don Garber also offered his condolences to the league.
“He was a kind and caring person whose passion for football and dedication to journalism was immense,” he said. said on Twitter.
“My condolences to Grant’s family, friends and all his professional colleagues during this difficult time,” DC United manager Wayne Rooney said. Via Twitter Saturday.
“His contribution to the development of American football has been immeasurable over the years,” Rooney said.
Tennis champion Billie Jean King continued with a “prayer for (Wall’s) family.” Tweet It lauds the journalist as “an advocate for the LGBTQ community and a prominent voice in women’s football.”
LeBron James, whom Wall profiled in a Sports Illustrated cover story in February 2002, praised Wall when asked about reporters after Friday’s game against the 76ers.
“I love Grant and the cover shoot. And he was always so cool to be around. , got me covered,” said James.
“I always watched from afar. In, I always remember when I was a teenager and there was Grant…a tragic loss as our building is on St. V. It’s a shame to lose such a great man and I wish his family happiness as I said, and may he rest in paradise.”
Wall’s wife, Dr Celine Gunder, said on Twitter While she was grateful for the support of her husband’s football family, she said she was in “complete shock.”
Spokesman Ned Price said the State Department is in “close contact” with Wall’s family.
“We are working with senior Qatari officials to ensure that his family’s wishes are met as quickly as possible.” Price tweeted.
Early in the tournament, Wahl Tweet your experience I told stadium security that I was detained for 30 minutes because I wore a rainbow shirt to support the LGBTQ+ community. Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar. Wall, who was covering the tournament for CBS Sports, later tweeted that he was finally allowed into the stadium wearing the shirt.
I’m fine, but it was an unnecessary ordeal. I’m in the media center with my shirt on. I was detained for nearly 30 minutes. go gay 🌈 https://t.co/S3INBoCz89
— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) November 21, 2022
In honor of Grant’s family and friends, please leave your tributes and condolences in the comments section of this article. However, please refrain from speculating about his health before his death. athletic We will update our readers once we have permission to discuss the big picture and personal details of the family.
(Photo: Fred Kfoury III /Icon Sportswire /Corbis / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
