Sports World Mourns 2025 Losses: Athletes, Coaches, Reporters and Personalities Who Passed Away
ATHLETIC LEGENDS AND CHAMPIONS
George Foreman, 76 — One of boxing’s most indelible figures, Foreman was a two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist whose powerful style and later comeback made him a global icon.
Hulk Hogan, 71 — A defining personality in professional wrestling, Hogan helped popularize the sport globally through his charismatic presence and multiple title reigns.
Greg Biffle, 55 — Veteran NASCAR driver known for success across Series disciplines, including the Truck and Busch/Xfinity circuits, died in a plane crash, sending shockwaves through motorsports.
Ryne Sandberg, 65 — Hall of Fame MLB second baseman famed for his defense and power hitting with the Chicago Cubs, earning 10 All-Star selections and nine Gold Gloves.
Junior Bridgeman, 71 — NBA forward and entrepreneur whose on-court versatility evolved into business success, remembered both for athletic achievement and post-sports impact.
Bernie Parent, 80 — Hall of Fame NHL goaltender and cornerstone of Philadelphia’s Stanley Cup victories in the 1970s.
Alex Delvecchio, 93 — Hockey Hall of Famer and long-time Detroit Red Wings captain noted for skill and leadership.
Kenny Easley, 66 — Pro Football Hall of Fame safety known for his hard-hitting style and dominant play with the Seattle Seahawks.
Arthur Jones, 39 — Former NFL defensive lineman and Super Bowl champion with the Baltimore Ravens, his career cut short.
Wayne Thomas, 77 — Canadian NHL goaltender who played for Montreal, Toronto and New York and later spent decades in hockey management.
Dick Roth, 77 — Olympic champion swimmer famed for world records in the 200 and 400-meter individual medley.
Garett Hickling, 54 — Paralympic wheelchair rugby standout and multi-medalist for Team Canada, celebrated for leadership and competitiveness.
Bill McCartney, 84 — College football coach who led Colorado to its only national championship in 1990, a transformative figure in collegiate athletics.
Jim Marshall, 87 — NFL defensive stalwart known for his durability and long career with the Minnesota Vikings.
COACHES AND LEADERSHIP FIGURES
Lenny Wilkens, 88 — NBA Hall of Famer as both player and coach, guiding the Seattle SuperSonics to an NBA title and retiring with more coaching wins than any predecessor.
John Beam, 66 — Renowned junior college and high school football coach whose mentorship was spotlighted in Last Chance U, revered for developing young athletes.
Jerry Welsh, 89 — Legendary SUNY Potsdam basketball coach whose multiple championships and lengthy tenure influenced college hoops across divisions.
Bob Hannah, 93 — Iconic baseball coach at the University of Delaware with more than 1,000 career wins, shaping generations of players.
JOURNALISTS, REPORTERS AND PERSONALITIES
John Feinstein, 69 — Influential sportswriter and best-selling author whose behind-the-scenes narratives redefined modern sports storytelling.
Larry Brooks, 75 — Veteran NHL journalist for the New York Post and Elmer Ferguson Award recipient whose career spanned decades covering hockey.
Dick Button, 95 — Two-time Olympic figure skating champion turned commentator who helped popularize the sport and innovate technical elements.
OTHER MEMORABLE PASSINGS IN SPORTS COMMUNITY
Beyond headline figures, the sports year also witnessed the loss of players and contributors across leagues. Notables included:
Fuzzy Zoeller, 74 — PGA Tour veteran and two-time major champion in golf.
Rodney Rogers, 54 — NBA veteran and ACC Player of the Year turned inspirational figure after a life-altering injury.
Randy Jones, 75 — Cy Young Award-winning pitcher in MLB.
Marshawn Kneeland, 24 — Promising NFL defensive end whose untimely death saddened the Dallas Cowboys community.
Nick Mangold, 74 — Longtime NFL center and multiple Pro Bowl selection.
LEGACY AND IMPACT
The list of prominent sports figures lost in 2025 reflects a wide breadth of influence — from global athletic excellence to journalistic brilliance and coaching leadership. Their contributions shaped competitions, inspired fans and molded the cultures of their respective fields. Each legacy extends beyond statistics to moments of human achievement, resilience and community impact that define the sports world.
