This website reaches far beyond the United States, where ESPN is based, but I suspect that many of you who don't have the sports network on your cable package knew who Stuart Scott was. The longtime anchor of "SportsCenter," ESPN's flagship sports-highlight show, died Sunday at 49 after an extended battle with cancer. To those of us who grew up watching ESPN, Scott's voice and catchphrases—"Booyah," which was trending on Twitter this morning, and the iconic "cool as the other side of the pillow"—were indelible marks of our germinating sports fandom. Scott began his career with ESPN in 1993, right around the time the network started to become the force in sports media it is today.
It wasn't until I began my own career in sports media that I realized how difficult the profession is, and how impressive a legacy Stuart Scott was leaving. Last July, in poor health, he accepted the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the ESPYS, ESPN's annual sports award ceremony. Joined by his family, he delivered what was truly a memorable speech. Rest in peace, Stuart.
Scott dabbled in tennis during segments on "SportsCenter," of course, and also in some truly memorable commercials. The "This is SportsCenter" series of ESPN ads have become as enduring as the show itself—if you search for them on YouTube, you'll be busy for an hour. Maria Sharapova and Roger Federer got in on the act, as you'll see below. (If I've forgotten any, please let me know and I'll add them to this page.)