Longtime Alabama Sports Reporter Cecil Hurt Has Died

Hurt, who covered Alabama sports for nearly 40 years, passed away in Birmingham at age 62 after a lengthy illness.

Longtime Alabama sports writer Cecil Hurt, who covered Alabama sports for the Tuscaloosa News for nearly 40 years, has passed away Tuesday afternoon at UAB Medical Center after a long illness. He was 62 years old.

Born in Tuscaloosa, Hurt began his career as an Alabama beat writer in 1982 during Paul "Bear" Bryant's final season. An Alabama alumnus, he rose to the paper's sports editor in 1989 and spent three decades as a sports columnist, according to Creg Stephenson of the Alabama Media Group.

Hurt had been hospitalized for almost two weeks after experiencing complications from pneumonia. His family said in a statement that the pneumonia was complicated by "underlying issues." Hurt was surrounded by family and a close friend as he passed peacefully.

An Alabama Institution

Rest In Peace pic.twitter.com/xUC1UalWNH

— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) November 23, 2021

Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne issued a statement after news of Hurt's passing broke, calling the veteran writer "one of a kind."

“As good a sportswriter as Cecil was, he was an even better person,” Byrne’s statement read. “So many of us considered him a dear friend, and we will certainly miss him. He had an incredible way with words, coupling his knowledge and wit in a way only Cecil could do…

“Writers both young and old respected and looked up to Cecil for his work, professionalism and ability to build relationships. He was one of a kind. We will continue to keep his family, friends and all those who cared for Cecil in our prayers.”

I was walking out of the Florida press box after the Alabama game, and there, near the elevators, hunched over in a chair and pecking on his iPad was Cecil. We exchanged pleasantries.

"Have a safe trip," he told me as I stepped into the elevator.

Have a safe trip, Cecil. https://t.co/K8oW2NzGRS

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) November 23, 2021

It’s with sadness and heartbreak that I relay the news that Cecil Hurt passed today. Please pray for Cecil’s family and friends and the many who loved him dearly. I love and miss you, friend.

— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) November 23, 2021

Saddened to hear of the passing of my good friend @CecilHurt. Cecil was a brilliant writer. An institution covering Alabama football. From Bryant to Saban, Cecil knew the pulse of Alabama better than anyone. Equally adept at discussing esoteric European literature or virtually

— Rece Davis (@ReceDavis) November 23, 2021

We should all strive to live a life that touches as many people as Cecil Hurt did.

RIP

— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) November 23, 2021

I am saddened to learn of Cecil Hurt’s passing. Cecil was a leading voice in telling the story of the @SEC for four decades. The relationships he built, his credibility with readers, his clarity in communication and unrivaled wit made him a pillar of his profession. RIP Cecil.

— Greg Sankey (@GregSankey) November 23, 2021

Sad news about a legendary CFB voice..Spent a lot of time around Alabama over the years, and it's impossible to think about covering the Tide without feeling Cecil Hurt there. He was the dean of that beat. Condolences to his family and friends, and all those who loved reading him https://t.co/NdZqiNPjHx

— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) November 23, 2021

Sitting next to Cecil Hurt in the press box was always a distinct joy, as he accentuated every game with his wit and insight. A bright light, an exemplary beat writer and cornerstone of the Alabama media. RIP to a humble giant. What an honor to know Cecil Hurt. https://t.co/iMTKbhYTak

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 24, 2021