Rudy Martzke, one of the innovators in the American sports media commentary space, has died at the age of 82.
This was confirmed by his son on social media.
Martzke was a pioneer in the sports media commentary space – launching one of the first columns on the topic for USA Today in 1982.
He continued to write that column until his retirement in 2005. In his last column, he famously ribbed some of his subjects.
‘While some at times have blistered me with complaints –- Gary Bender, Howard Cosell and even [Pat] Summerall –- my experiences have largely been positive while covering the TV sports business during a period of its greatest growth,’ he wrote.
‘The plaudits have come as the Sports on TV column became recognized. There have been features on me in Sports Illustrated and other magazines, a charity Rudy Roast in 2000 [in Biloxi, Mississippi] and a proclamation read to me at the men’s Final Four in St. Louis by NCAA President Myles Brand, who described me as an icon. Can’t do any better than that, I guess.’
In the aftermath of his passing, many sports media titans honored Martzke on social media.
Rudy Martzke, one of the pioneers in sports media commentary, has died at the age of 82
‘Very sad about the passing of the great Rudy Martzke,’ NBC Sports’ Greg Hughes wrote on X, formerly Twitter. ‘A friend, great sense of humor, bulldog reporter, fellow Badger (and a huge fan), sports media industry legend.
‘Helped many a PR person (definitely me) and others across the industry with their careers…hurt a few, too.’
‘When you saw this byline in USA TODAY Sports you knew it would be a must-read,’ ESPN vice president of communications Bill Hofheimer said.
‘Never had the chance to work w/ Rudy Martzke but met him after I joined ESPN. A legendary figure and a good man. Very sad to hear of his passing today.’
‘So sad to just learn of the passing of a real media legend Rudy Martzke of USA TODAY Sports fame,’ legendary ESPN college basketball commentator Dick Vitale said on X.
‘His Monday column was a must read by people from the world of TV sports . We had many a fun time at various events over the years. May RUDY RIP.’
Martzke is survived by his wife and his two sons.