John Saunders died at age 61. (Getty)
Longtime ESPN and ABC sportscaster John Saunders died unexpectedly, ESPN announced Monday.
He was 61.
Saunders joined ESPN in 1986, hosting studio shows and providing play-by-play for live sports, most recently college football.
At the time of his death, Saunders was the host of ABC’s Saturday studio coverage for college football and occasionally for ESPN’s College Football Live; ESPN’s college basketball studio coverage; and The Sports Reporters, ESPN’s Sunday morning roundtable discussion featuring various reporters.
Saunders was very popular among his colleagues in the sports media world and many of them took to social media to express their condolences. Here are some of the Twitter reactions:
So devastated to just receive the news on a wonderful friend and man. Please keep his family in your thoughts. t.co/HskfsdrqMB
John Saunders was a better person than a host, which is saying something. Classy. Professional. I can’t even describe his impact on me.
Saddened by the news regarding John Saunders passing. John was a gracious man and always such a professional. Heartbreaking. Prayers. 🙏🏼
Devastating doesn’t even begin to describe how I’m feeling right now. John Saunders was a wonderful man, ultra pro & father figure.#RIP
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.
John Saunders and I finished his life story this spring, after five years of working on it. He was an amazing man, and truly, to me, a hero.
Heartbroken over my friend John Saunders’ passing. My thoughts to his wonderful wife Wanda, daughters Aleah and Jenna, and brother Bernie.
I am devastated by the news that John Saunders passed away. He was a great studio partner for 3 years, and a special friend for many more.
A devastating morning. Remembering precious time with a dear friend and mentor. John #Saunders was a special man
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.
Shocked by the passing of John Saunders. He was a very nice man and a voice of reason in our often unreasonable discourse. #RIPJohnSaunders
Young students, take this from John Saunders:
1) Be nice to everyone
2) Laugh and have fun (it’s sports!)
3) Don’t make rage an act. Mean it
We at the @NABJSports are deeply saddened by the passing of ESPN’s John Saunders. We will miss your strong voice, knowledge & passion. RIP.
RIP John Saunders. Thanks for being a mentor and class act. I will miss you dearly.
I first met John Saunders while working in St. Louis. John came to town as part of a celebrity hockey game we… t.co/UCYaOBObcJ
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.
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.
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.
Sickened and saddened to hear of loss of our colleague and friend, John Saunders. What a nice man. What a great man.
I love John Saunders & I’ll make the world know why! He personified the qualities we need more of! His hiring ESPN’s greatest achievement.
The times I got to be around John Saunders were special. Just different. Classy. Funny. I truly was a fan.
My prayers go out to the family of John Saunders, who just passed away. He was one of the greats.
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.
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.
Sunday was just another day of the week until John Saunders came on my TV. Rest in peace, my friend.
Praying for the family and loved ones of John Saunders! He was a staple in the world of sports broadcasting, and will be deeply missed! 🙏🏾
So sad to hear of John Saunders passing. Always consummate professional and treated people well. #RIP
Thank you John Saunders for setting such a high standard. Smart, tough, classy and the ultimate professional. You will be sorely missed.
John Saunders was as genuine and good a person as i have ever known and worked with. He made everyone around him better. Hard 2 understand!
Last person I saw leaving ESPYs was John Saunders. We reflected about his years in Baltimore in 80s. It was a typical warm conversation RIP
Our thoughts are with John Saunders’ family & friends today. It was a privilege to have him call some of our games last year.
John Saunders Dead: The Tweets You Need to Read