Let's take a minute to flashback to the 1990s. A time without smart phones, flat screens or selfies. (I know, it is hard to imagine life without these modern day necessities.) A time when sports media was taking off, and players became iconic through marketing and advertising. Even TV personalities were creating a name for themselves.
The sports games were entertaining enough, but what really stuck in the heads of kids such as myself were the highlights and the people articulating those highflying, jaw-dropping plays we now see every night.
Where others followed status quo, he strived to differentiate. He vowed to not only report sports news, but also make it entertaining and engaging at the same time. He stood out from the rest, and his legacy lives on in our hearts and minds now and forever. He is Stuart Scott.
Cooler than the other side of the pillow
From early on in his sports casting career, it was clear Scott was unique and new. He brought his own edge of language and enthusiasm to the SportsCenter table.
I can remember the excitement I would get when I heard Stuart Scott broadcasting a show. It was different: more energizing and more exciting. There was a different feel to the plays. Each highlight seemed more exhilarating than the previous, and that’s what kept the viewers coming back for more.
Scott was an inspiration to many that are now on ESPN currently. His one-of-a-kind personality boosted the brand into another world. It wasn’t just the well-used catch phrases that are remembered, but also his passion for sports and the effect it had on the general public.
What’s more, Stuart Scott made sports even more relatable. How many times have you jumped up in your living room and yelled in admiration or disgust of a team, by using a catch phrase or curse word? Don’t be humble; it is more than once for sure. That’s what Stuart Scott brought to ESPN night in and night out. He was a fan just as much as we are. But his team was all of sports, and he delivered that passion with unbelievable charisma.
Boo-Yah!
Boo-Yah! Boo-Yah! Boo-Yah! The most iconic catch phrase in sports, thanks to Stuart Scott.
Boo-Yah extends past just a normal catch phrase though. It represents Stuart Scott himself and his legacy. For over twenty years, it was a “boo-yah” moment to watch him on television and broadcast sports. He transformed how sports are reported, and the importance of a relatable host to the public. It made watching TV and highlights more fun.
After being diagnosed with cancer, Scott did not slow down, but sped up. He moved past being a sports anchor and into being an inspiration. His performance on air did not falter, and it was amazing to watch him fight.
At his ESPY reward speech, he uttered words that will always be remembered, and exemplified his life. “When you die, you do not lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live.” Some of the most moving words I can recall in recent sports history. And a motivation to continue to live your life no matter what, and not letting anyone stop you.
Rest in Peace
No one will ever repeat Scott’s legacy at ESPN. He is a true hero to all of us and a model for how to live. Love life, fight for what you love, and never give up.
He will always and forever be an icon in our hearts and will always be cooler than the other side of the pillow. I feel like I personally knew this man just because of his enthusiasm and unique ability to broadcast sports.
Boo-Yah! to you, Stuart Scott. Gone too early, but never forgotten.
