Cancer Claims ESPN’s Stuart Scott’s Life but Not His Legacy

Rest in peace, Stuart Scott. He became a legacy in the sports industry, but also became a friend to the millions of viewers who tuned in to watch him. Sadly, the much loved sports personality became a victim to cancer, losing his life at the age of 49. The one thing cancer cannot claim? Is the history Scott leaves behind for many to remember. In the midst of cancer treatments, Scott immersed in martial arts training and worked as hard as he always did.

Scott joined the ESPN network in 1993, and sat down with the biggest names in sports and even politics. He interviewed the likes of Michael Jordan to President Obama.

He was diagnosed with cancer originally in 2007. He underwent chemo treatments and entered remission. He repeated this cycle in 2011, and once again entered remission in 2012. Sadly, a year ago his cancer returned. Scott endured over 50 infusions of chemotherapy, all while undergoing several surgeries. He fought hard each time, even sporting an “Everyday I Fight” shirt as he embraced high-intensity cross training, and martial arts. He said he delved into his workouts to restore the energy chemo would drain from him. He never once asked doctors what stage his cancer was in, he had one goal, to keep fighting.

For his many fans, they remember his funny catch phrases such as “call him butta, he’s on a roll!” He was honored this past summer at the ESPY awards for his continued fight against cancer while he continued to work.

He made an emotional speech that rocked those in attendance. Check it out below:

Due to the severity of his condition and fighting for his life, Scott missed the 2014 football regular season as the ESPN crew hoped for the best when it came to their colleague. He denied rumors circulating he was admitted to hospice in November. He posted on Twitter:

Scott is survived by his two, beautiful daughters - Sydni, 15 and Taelor, 19. He also remains in heart and memory of his loving girlfriend, Kristin Spodobalski.

Share your thoughts of Scott’s legacy in the comments. A familiar voice and face in sports has sadly passed, and closed this chapter of his life. Check out the legacy of Scott on ESPN‘s website. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, loved ones and the millions of fans who came to embrace Scott in their living rooms.