There are six words you will see again and again over the coming days as so many of us try to make sense of the senseless: He was the best of us. Grant Wahl was that. As a person, he was ceaselessly kind. As a reporter, he was bursting with courage and an unerring sense of right and wrong. As a writer, he was so deeply alive. And as a friend, mostly as a friend, he was undyingly devoted and loyal. The best of us. Every way.
Thank you for this tribute, Joe. I subscribed to both your Substack and Grant's earlier this year when I found myself with more time at work and the need to read well written sports material. Neither of you disappointed, money well spent. Grant will be missed, I'm already missing his post game analysis and thoughts.
Another of those "died suddenly". Of course we all know the cause of these sudden deaths. Self inflicted really. So SADS. Hopefully his kids didn't receive the lethal concoction.
Thanks for writing this, Joe. I can only imagine how difficult it is for you. Writers like you and Grant are heroes to me. I dreamed of being a professional sportswriter when I was young and writing columns for my high school newspaper. I let my dad talk me into majoring in accounting instead of journalism. “There’s no money in that, son.” Following your passion takes courage, and that courage shows up in your writing. Grant taught me to love soccer with his writing and interviews during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. What a tragic loss for all of us. I’m so sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful brother, husband, and friend.
Amidst the countless touching attempts to remember and eulogize and celebrate and mourn Grant, Joe, yours has a tenderness and sincerity that are profound.
You have my deepest sympathies for your loss. Your friend was, indeed, the best of us
My condolences, Joe. Do you know what the cause of death was? It's unusual, but yes it happens, and yes it's invariably impossible to deal with and next to impossible to accept that a vibrant person passes-away prematurely without warning or explanation. May Grant Wahl RIP.
What a beautiful eulogy. I shed a tear, as you've made me do more than once with your writing. Grant Wahl is the reason why I watch international soccer/football. His coverage with Sports Illustrated gave me insight and a portal to finally appreciate the Beautiful Game. The image of him defiantly wearing the LGBTQ rainbow t-shirt in Qatar will stay with me forever. Bon courage pendant cette dure épreuve, M. Posnanski.
Touching tribute, Joe. I'm a soccer ignoramus, but reading Grant's stories over the years helped me to appreciate the world's passion for what they call "The Beautiful Game". Only a writer of his caliber could introduce the game to so many of us in an approachable, enthusiastic way. May you and your peers, who clearly respected Grant and his work, find comfort in the memories you were blessed to make with him.
Be braver. Be bolder. Be kinder. Stand up for what's right.
That's one hell of a great credo. I will try. RIP.
He died of a burst blood vessel. No conspiracy, folks. May Grant RIP.
Sorry for your loss, Joe. He was a gem.
Thank you for this tribute, Joe. I subscribed to both your Substack and Grant's earlier this year when I found myself with more time at work and the need to read well written sports material. Neither of you disappointed, money well spent. Grant will be missed, I'm already missing his post game analysis and thoughts.
Another of those "died suddenly". Of course we all know the cause of these sudden deaths. Self inflicted really. So SADS. Hopefully his kids didn't receive the lethal concoction.
Thanks for writing this, Joe. I can only imagine how difficult it is for you. Writers like you and Grant are heroes to me. I dreamed of being a professional sportswriter when I was young and writing columns for my high school newspaper. I let my dad talk me into majoring in accounting instead of journalism. “There’s no money in that, son.” Following your passion takes courage, and that courage shows up in your writing. Grant taught me to love soccer with his writing and interviews during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. What a tragic loss for all of us. I’m so sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful brother, husband, and friend.
Truly sorry for your loss Joe.
I’m so sorry.
Beautifully done
Amidst the countless touching attempts to remember and eulogize and celebrate and mourn Grant, Joe, yours has a tenderness and sincerity that are profound.
You have my deepest sympathies for your loss. Your friend was, indeed, the best of us
My condolences, Joe. Do you know what the cause of death was? It's unusual, but yes it happens, and yes it's invariably impossible to deal with and next to impossible to accept that a vibrant person passes-away prematurely without warning or explanation. May Grant Wahl RIP.
What a beautiful eulogy. I shed a tear, as you've made me do more than once with your writing. Grant Wahl is the reason why I watch international soccer/football. His coverage with Sports Illustrated gave me insight and a portal to finally appreciate the Beautiful Game. The image of him defiantly wearing the LGBTQ rainbow t-shirt in Qatar will stay with me forever. Bon courage pendant cette dure épreuve, M. Posnanski.
Touching tribute, Joe. I'm a soccer ignoramus, but reading Grant's stories over the years helped me to appreciate the world's passion for what they call "The Beautiful Game". Only a writer of his caliber could introduce the game to so many of us in an approachable, enthusiastic way. May you and your peers, who clearly respected Grant and his work, find comfort in the memories you were blessed to make with him.
I don’t think anyone could describe Grant any better. What a loss. He epitomized the best of sports journalism and humanity.
So sorry, Joe. Losing a good friend always cuts deep. Reading your tribute and so many others make it clear what a special person he was.
Great perspective. I am sorry for your loss.