John Clayton, NFL Correspondent and Pittsburgh Native, Dies at 67 – CBS Pittsburgh

By: Michael Guise / KDKA-TV News

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – One of Pittsburgh’s own will be remembered tonight.

NFL reporter John Clayton, nicknamed “The Professor,” has died at the age of 67 after a “short illness,” the Seattle Seahawks said in a statement Friday.

Hurt. 💔

Rest in peace, Professor. pic.twitter.com/xFGdTYstnT

– Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) March 19, 2022

Clayton, a Braddock native, attended Churchill Area High School before graduating from Duquesne University. He then spent time covering the Pittsburgh Steelers for the Pittsburgh Press before heading west to cover the Seahawks. He then joined ESPN as an NFL insider and became a household name during his 20-year career at the network.

pic.twitter.com/r7OBpMKx8f

– Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) March 19, 2022

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of John Clayton,” the Steelers said in a statement. “He was a Pittsburgh media icon who covered the Steelers for over a decade in the 1970s and 1980s.”

Many local and national reporters, including KDKA’s Bob Pompeani, paid tribute to Clayton on social media.

Very sad to hear of the passing of a longtime friend & #NFLInsider John Clayton. 🙏🏻🙏🏻. Braddock’s pride and a self-made man.

Diligent about his work. Famous as a professor @ESPN. Always fair and always one of the hardest workers

Every week on @ 937theFan #RIPProfessor

– Bob Pompeani (@KDPomp) March 19, 2022

John Clayton, a first-class NFL insider and our beloved longtime ESPN colleague, passed away today.

He also starred in the best This Is SportsCenter commercial of all time.

RIP, Johnpic.twitter.com/5s5H0gQZcu

– Don Van Natta Jr. (@DVNJr) March 19, 2022

Know John since we worked together at Pittsburgh Press. Spend more time on the phone, trying to find a story or information, than anyone I have ever seen. John cares for his wife lovingly and sincerely. He will be ignored. 💜

– Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) March 19, 2022

John Clayton passed away today at a Seattle area hospital. His wife Pat and sister Amy were with him and communicated before he passed away peacefully after a brief illness.
We love John. We are mourning his loss.
Pat asked @Seahawks to release more information.

– Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) March 19, 2022

I have a stomach ache right now. He’s been a BIG part of our show since day 1. A Pittsburgh legend. An NFL logo. Above all, a GREAT guy. I’m in tears as I type this. Professor RIP.

– Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) March 19, 2022

I am speechless. Terrible, heartbreaking news. My deepest condolences to John’s family and friends. REST IN PEACE

– Chris Mueller (@ChrisMuellerPGH) March 19, 2022