Rudy Martzke, who served as the sports media columnist for USA Today from 1982 until his retirement from the industry in 2005, has reportedly tragically died at the age of 82.
The cause of the legendary sports columnists death has not yet been revealed. His son confirmed his death on social media.
Martzke’s column served as the first sports column for the famed outlet, and has been a benchmark of the publication for over 50 years.
Greg Hughes of NBC said about the loss of the giant,
“Very sad about the passing of the great Rudy Martzke. A friend, great sense of humor, bulldog reporter, fellow Badger (and a huge fan), sports media industry legend. Helped many a PR person (definitely me) and others across the industry with their careers…hurt a few, too.”
There is no doubt that Martzke has made a profound impact on the sports media industry, which has gone under a rebirth over the last twenty years.
Very sad about the passing of the great Rudy Martzke. A friend, great sense of humor, bulldog reporter, fellow Badger (and a huge fan), sports media industry legend. Helped many a PR person (definitely me) and others across the industry with their careers…hurt a few, too.
— Greg Hughes (@GregHughesNBCSG) November 22, 2024
Bill Hofheimer also chimed in to remember the sports reporting legend, saying,
“When you saw this byline in @USATODAY Sports, you knew it would be a must-read. Never had the chance to work w/ Rudy Martzke but met him after I joined ESPN. A legendary figure and a good man. Very sad to hear of his passing today.”
Vantage News will continue to update our audience on this situation, including revealing a cause of death if and when that information is made public.
It is seldom that we see an individual that has such a profound impact on the world of sports without true recognition. Rudy Martzke deserves credit as one of the most influential sports reporters over the last several decades.
Rest in peace, legend.
