Sports writing giant Frank Deford died this week at the age of 78. Reactions to his passing have poured in as members of the sports media tip their cap to one of the most influential writers in the history of the industry. Here is a small taste of the remembrances from some of the best writers in the country.

“What Frank Deford Meant to Sportswriting,” Bryan Curtis, The Ringer

“Frank Deford, one of the best and most elegant sportswriters, was a dreamer who allowed the rest of us to dream, too,” Mike Lupica, New York Daily News

“Frank Deford wrote with sincerity, giving depth to completed sports figures,” Sally Jenkins, Washington Post

“He wrote like he was always shooting for something : Remembering SI legend Frank Deford,” Alexander Wolff, Sports Illustrated

The final piece was written in 2012 after Deford accepted the Red Smith Award, the highest honor of the Associated Press Sports Editors.

“2012 Red Smith Award: Deford’s legendary career included the ‘alpha and omega’ of sports,” Matt Traub, Binghamton Press and Sun Bulletin