Rudy Maltzke, a longtime sportswriter for USA Today, passed away this week, his son confirmed on social media.
He was 82 years old.
Marzke was a pioneer in sports media commentary, launching one of the first columns on the subject for the outlet from 1982 until his retirement in 2005.
In his last column in 2005, Marzke teased and bid farewell to some of his subjects.
“Gary Bender, Howard Cosell, and even some people who sometimes take their frustrations out on me. [Pat] SUMMERALL — My experience covering the television sports business during its most formative years has been largely positive,” he wrote.
“My column on Sports on TV brought me recognition and accolades. I was featured in Sports Illustrated, other magazines, and the Rudy Roast for Charity in 2000. [in Biloxi, Mississippi] Then, at the Men's Final Four in St. Louis, NCAA President Miles Brand read a proclamation calling me an icon. I don't think you can do anything better than that. ”
When news of Marzke's death broke on Friday, the sports media industry rushed to social media to pay tribute to Marzke.
“I am very saddened by the passing of the great Rudy Maltzke.” NBC Sports' Greg Hughes wrote about X. “Friend, great sense of humor, Bulldog reporter, fellow Badger (and huge fan), and legend in the sports media industry. Helped the careers of many PR people (definitely mine) and others across the industry…hurt Some people did.”
“When I saw this byline on USA TODAY Sports, I knew it was a must-read,” said ESPN Vice President of Communications Bill Hofheimer said:. “I never had the opportunity to work with Rudy Malzke, but I met him after I joined ESPN. He was a legend and a good man. I am very saddened to hear of his passing today. ”
“I am very saddened to learn of the passing of Rudy Maltzke, a true media legend who made his name with USA TODAY Sports.” Legendary ESPN College Basketball Commentator Dick Vitale told X.
“His Monday column was a must-read for those in the TV sports world. We had a lot of fun at various events over the years. Rest in peace Rudy.”
He is survived by his wife and two sons.
