Top 10 Best Sports Writers
A great writer can craft an entire universe of beautiful and enticing things about something as simple as "dried fruit," making you crave it like you've never seen or tasted it before. He does this again and again, yet you never grow tired or feel overwhelmed. Instead, you continue to crave more. That's him!
His writing style is very addictive! He can raise your blood pressure or bring a well of tears to your eyes in one simple sentence. Not too many writers nowadays have the gift to do such things.
He is so clever, very entertaining, and uniquely talented, accurately supported by facts. Deeply thoughtful and knowledgeable in every sport. He writes simply, well, and comprehensively.
As a lifelong sports fan, hands down, he's the best I've ever read. At one time or another, his writing has brought out every possible human emotion. His columns will be missed.
SI has published some very fine writers - Reilly is certainly one of them.
He is awesome. He knows what he is talking about, unlike many others.
I love to disagree with him, but it's difficult when he really nails a topic. I wonder what the chalkboard has to say.
He looked better with a beard.
He was almost elected Commissioner of Basketball, for crying out loud.
No Boston sportswriter has bested him.
Uniquely talented. Not just the greatest sportswriter of our time, but perhaps one of the best magazine writers overall.
Gary Smith is a great writer who happens to write about sports.
His sentences and the way he writes drag you into his stories and never bore you. He knows his sports.
He finds a way to interest any reader in his stories.
Deford was very good - he found humor and pathos in sports. A bit hammy for some.
Even a non-sports fan can find his articles thought-provoking.
He always makes me think about what he gets me laughing about.
He writes simply but accurately, and his work is supported by facts. You don't need to look at history to know he is telling the truth. He writes well and comprehensively.
The best sports writer in the Philippines, indeed.
Knowledgeable in almost every sport.
The Newcomers
The quality of his prose is outstanding.
No one better now or ever.
Easily the best writer of this bunch. He has a profound understanding of both society and sports, and the way their interaction impacts us all.
An insider who really puts you inside the action.
Best there is. He's seen it all and reports it in a valid, unbiased way.
No hype, no big predictions, just the facts.
Some good books too.
No hype, just the facts.
He writes good books too.
Really good book! It's a football story. Try to read it if you have time.
Doesn't get better than that.
Simply amazing.
How anyone could leave Joe off this list just blows me away.