Craig Sager, considered one of the most beloved sideline reporters of all-time, died on Thursday after a three-year battle with acute myeloid leukemia, Turner Sports confirmed. He was 65 years old.
Though Sager was most widely known for his sideline work with NBA on TNT, his career traversed multiple sports in varying capacities, including working as a reporter on TNT's NFL pregame, halftime and postgame shows from 1990 to 1997.
Those who watched Sager's affecting speech this past July at the ESPYs in accepting the Jimmy V Perseverance Award won't soon forget it.
The NFL reacted to the death of Sager on social media:
Truly sad. Epic talent who cut a wide swath, including KC Chiefs preseason games & TNT's NFL pregame, halftime & post-game shows 1990-97. https://t.co/UT2tEsxPee
— Greg Aiello (@gregaiello) December 15, 2016
R.I.P Craig Sager! Gonna miss those crazy suits man..
— Mike Wallace (@Wallace17_daKid) December 15, 2016
Craig Sager, You Will Be Missed. #SagerStrong
— Eric Ebron (@Ebron85) December 15, 2016
#RIP Craig Sager.. True giant 🙏🏾
— Ameer Abdullah (@Ameerguapo) December 15, 2016
Man sad to hear the news of the passing of Craig Sager. His interviews was good but I always watched to see what suit he had on.
— Cj Spiller (@CJSPILLER) December 15, 2016
#RIP to the incomparable Craig Sager! His grace, spirit, & passion for his craft, were always evident! It won't be the same without him! 🙏🏾
— Greg Jennings (@GregJennings) December 15, 2016
RIP #CraigSager -- one of the best to ever do it! I can't watch an @NBA broadcast without you coming to mind!
— Emmanuel Acho (@thEMANacho) December 15, 2016
The game won't be the same without such a legendary personality...and fashion sense! #luv #RIP #CraigSager pic.twitter.com/yLSxaDsmhE
— Michael Vick (@MichaelVick) December 15, 2016
Extending my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Craig Sager. May he rest in peace #SagerStrong
— Matt Ryan (@M_Ryan02) December 15, 2016
Rest in Heaven #legend pic.twitter.com/xxNPJ2OrrE
— Cecil Shorts III (@CecilShortsIII) December 15, 2016
Happy he was able to receive his roses while he could still smell them. As Craig said "Time is simply how you live your life" #SagerStrong pic.twitter.com/JvZjXq9YQB
— Navorro Bowman (@NBowman53) December 15, 2016
Man... Seeing Craig Sager on TV just made life better... made me feel good.. Never met him.. but I was a gigantic fan.. Rest Easy brother
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 15, 2016
Rest In Peace, Craig Sager. A true legend... watching basketball will never be the same. Esp gonna miss those suits. Life is short!! 🙏🏽
— Vontae Davis (@vontaedavis) December 15, 2016