What Did TJ Bryan Watch On YouTube Yesterday? Tributes To Soccer Journalist Grant Wahl
Friday evening news broke that revered journalist Grant Wahl suddenly passed away while covering the World Cup in Qatar. Wahl was in the press box at the Netherlands vs. Argentina match when he was stricken. CPR was performed but Wahl was not able to be revived.
Wahl, 48, was a graduate of Princeton University where he began his journalism career covering Princeton sports for the school paper. After graduating, he joined Sports Illustrated where he covered many sports including college basketball. Wahl really broke through with his cover story on then-high school student Lebron James calling him “the chosen one.”
Wahl later pivoted to covering soccer full time, and his influence and impact was felt far and wide. Wahl was a champion for the women’s game, for LBGTQ+ rights, and for the beautiful game itself. He sought to improve the game, reporting on corruption and scandals and human rights. Wahl believed in elevating others, supporting their work, dreams, and ambitions.
On his latest podcast Wahl mentioned that he had been fighting off a cold which seemed to turn into bronchitis. His non-stop work schedule combined with the illness led to, in his words, “my body breaking down.” He said though after his last visit to medical services he was beginning to feel better. Then the unthinkable happened has he collapsed and died in the press box. An official cause of death has yet to be determined, and Wahl’s body is due to arrive back in New York today when an autopsy will be performed.
Grant Wahl was an advocate of the game and of humanity. The entire soccer community is devastated. I cried tears for a man I’ve never met. Please take a look at these stories and tributes to a man who had a tremendous impact on countless numbers of people, one who will truly be missed.