John Clayton, ESPN Legend and Pittsburgh Native, Dead At 67

PITTSBURGH, PA — So knowledgeable that he was nicknamed "The Professor," John Clayton went from his native Pittsburgh to national prominence on ESPN as a trusted voice on the inner workings of the NFL.

Clayton died Friday in Seattle after a brief illness. He was 67.

"John Clayton, one of the first 'Insiders,' helped bring fans closer to the game they loved," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.

"For five decades, he covered the league with endless energy and professionalism. He earned my tremendous respect and admiration as a journalist but more importantly as a wonderful person, particularly as it relates to the love, care, and devotion to his wife Pat. We will miss John and send our deepest condolences to Pat and his sister Amy."

Clayton, a Churchill High School and Duquesne University graduate, covered sports for The Pittsburgh Press and The Tacoma News Tribune in Washington before joining ESPN in 1995. He was laid off from the sports network in 2017, then hosted a weekend show on a Seattle radio station.

He also was a frequent guest on Pittsburgh-area sports talk shows.

According to ESPN, Clayton worked as recently as 10 days ago and broke down the Seattle Seahawks trade of quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos.

The Pittsburgh Steelers released the following statement on Clayton's death:

"He was a Pittsburgh media icon who covered the Steelers for over a decade in the 1970s and 1980s, and he continued to follow and report on the team even when he moved on to become one of the most respected NFL national reporters. Our thoughts are with his wife, Pat, at this
difficult time."

The Seattle Seahawks in a tweet said the team was "heartbroken" over Clayton's passing.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

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