Tributes Pour in for Ozzy Osbourne

The sports world came together to honor a heavy metal legend on Tuesday.

Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic figure in rock, passed away at the age of 76, and heartfelt messages swiftly followed from fans and friends alike.

Aston Villa Football Club expressed their condolences on social media, stating, “The club is deeply saddened to hear about the passing of rock star and local figure Ozzy Osbourne.” They highlighted his ties to Aston, where he grew up near Villa Park, noting the strong connection he had with both the community and the club. They extended their thoughts to his wife, Sharon, and his family during this tough time. “Rest in peace, Ozzy,” they added.

The New England Patriots also recognized Osbourne’s impact, mentioning how his famous track “Crazy Train” served as an intro for their games throughout the Tom Brady-Bill Belichick era. The team expressed their sorrow, saying, “We are saddened by the loss of music legend Ozzy Osbourne, who provided the iconic intro for over 20 years.” They offered their condolences to his loved ones and fans.

Baseball Hall of Famer Chipper Jones shared his memories of Osbourne, recalling how “Crazy Train” was his walk-up song. He took to social media to express his sadness, recounting a humorous moment where he told a microphone operator, “I can hear it about five times today!” His recollection brought a light touch amidst the grief.

Osbourne’s past behavior even made headlines during his life; in 1984, he was arrested while sporting a St. Louis Blues jersey. The Blues’ social media account acknowledged Osbourne’s connection to the team by sharing a post that read, “St. Louis Loves You, Ozzy,” as they remembered his support during their journey to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2019.

Osbourne’s family shared the news of his passing, stating he left this world “surrounded by love.” They expressed profound sorrow, saying, “Our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning, with his family and surrounded by love.”

In January 2020, Osbourne revealed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Remarkably, he returned to the stage earlier this month, closing out his career with Black Sabbath in Birmingham, his hometown.