Journalists pay tribute, remember legendary sportswriter Frank Deford

Journalists expressed their admiration for Frank Deford following the news of his death.

Following the news that longtime Sports Illustrated writer Frank Deford died Sunday at the age of 78, journalists across the country reacted Monday, expressing admiration for the iconic writer and sadness about his death.

Deford, who joined Sports Illustrated in 1962, also provided commentary for NPR for 32 years and wrote more than a dozen books. He retired from NPR earlier this month.

SI 60 Q&A: Frank Deford on his award-winning Bill Russell feature, "The Ring Leader"

Here is a sampling of reactions to Deford's death from fellow sportswriters on social media: