Legendary Sports Writer Cecil Hurt Dies at Age 62

The Tuscaloosa News announced the passing of legendary sports writer Cecil Hurt on Tuesday afternoon.

Alabama Football and the Tuscaloosa News

The Tuscaloosa News announced the passing of legendary sports writer Cecil Hurt on Tuesday afternoon. He was 62. 

Hurt died at UAB Hospital in Birmingham from complications from pneumonia. He had been hospitalized, first in Tuscaloosa, for roughly two weeks. 

Although Hurt also had the title of sports editor, it was as a columnist that Hurt made his biggest imparticle became  a must-read for Crimson Tide fans. 

In 2019, he received the Mel Allen Media Award from the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. It honors those who made a lifetime contribution to sports through their work as a media member in the state.

The only other recipients of the award are John Pruett (2014), George Smith (2014), Tom Roberts (2015), Ron Ingram (2017), and Paul Finebaum (2020).

“Cecil Hurt was a good friend and one of the best sports writers I have ever had the privilege of working with, not just at Alabama, but at all of our coaching stops," Alabama coach Nick Saban said in a statement. "He was a man of integrity and a fair-minded journalist blessed with wit, wisdom and an ability to paint a picture with his words that few have possessed. 

"Cecil was loved throughout this community and state as an old-school journalist who covered the Alabama beat with class and professionalism. He was a role model for young writers and the most trusted source of news for Alabama fans everywhere. He leaves a wonderful legacy as one of sports journalism’s best. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as well as Alabama fans everywhere who loved Cecil as much as we did.”

Hurt, winner of numerous writing awards, including the 2018 National Sports Media Association's Alabama Sportswriter of the Year, had covered Crimson Tide sports for The Tuscaloosa News since 1982.

FOR MORE: Cecil Hurt, longtime Tuscaloosa News sports editor and columnist, dies at 62

TRIBUTE: By Tommy Deas

He was born in Tuscaloosa, graduated from the University of Alabama and worked for the UA athletic department as an undergrad during the Paul W. “Bear” Bryant era. His father had played football for the coach.

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— Cecil Hurt (@CecilHurt) November 23, 2021

“When I first came to work at the Tuscaloosa News I was intimidated as hell by Cecil,” said former executive sports editor Edwin Stanton. “He was such a gifted writer and there was nothing he didn’t know - not just about Alabama athletics. 

“But once I got to know him he was kind and generous and always helpful to me. I’ll forever be thankful I got to know him and work with such a wonderful person.”

Hurt's identity went well beyond the newspaper world. Not only was he a regular and prominent guest on "The Paul Finebaum Show," both in its radio and TV forms, but was usually the first media guest of the football season on the Nick Saban radio show. 

When they weren't checking out his articles, fans would often try and see what book the voracious reader would be carrying to games.  

"In all my years of being a sports writer I never met anyone like him," said Christopher Walsh, president of the Alabama Sports Writers Association. "Cecil was one of a kind. Brilliant doesn't begin to describe him, he was beyond that. He had the respect and admiration of not just his peers but everyone he came in contact with as a reporter and journalist. 

"It was an honor and a pleasure to work with him at the Tuscaloosa News. He will be greatly missed." 

UPDATE: From the Tuscaloosa News, a memorial service has been scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 8, at 1 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church in Tuscaloosa.

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— Greg Byrne (@Greg_Byrne) November 23, 2021

The highest professional compliment I can give @CecilHurt is that he was a writer that other writers always read. When something was happening with Alabama football you didn't have the full story until you read what Cecil wrote about it.

— Tony Barnhart (@MrCFB) November 23, 2021

Saddened to hear of the passing of my good friend @CecilHurt. Cecil was a brilliant writer. An institution covering Alabama football. From Bryant to Saban, Cecil knew the pulse of Alabama better than anyone. Equally adept at discussing esoteric European literature or virtually

— Rece Davis (@ReceDavis) November 23, 2021

I knew @CecilHurt for almost 30 years, though I wouldn’t presume to say we were friends. He was difficult to get to know, as artists sometimes are. And make no mistake, what Cecil could do at a keyboard was art. This is such a great loss for anyone who cares about SEC football.

— Creg Stephenson the First (@CregStephenson) November 23, 2021

I am heartbroken that @CecilHurt has died. Cecil was a singular, compelling, trustworthy voice on all things @AlabamaFTBL. And pretty much everything else. And such a quick, dry wit. What a shame.

— Ivan Maisel (@Ivan_Maisel) November 23, 2021

I am saddened to learn of Cecil Hurt’s passing. Cecil was a leading voice in telling the story of the @SEC for four decades. The relationships he built, his credibility with readers, his clarity in communication and unrivaled wit made him a pillar of his profession. RIP Cecil.

— Greg Sankey (@GregSankey) November 23, 2021

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— Travis Reier (@travisreier) November 23, 2021