Longtime St. Louis Post-Dispatch sports columnist BRYAN BURWELL died early this morning at the age of 59 “after a short battle with cancer.” Burwell had been at the Post-Dispatch since ’02, and previously worked for USA Today, Detroit News, N.Y. Daily News, Newsday and HBO's "Inside the NFL” (STLTODAY.com, 12/4). He also was a frequent contributor to several ESPN programs (THE DAILY). His passing drew many fond remembrances on Twitter today. WGNU-AM's Brendan Marks: "News of Bryan Burwell’s passing a punch to the gut. He was a genuinely kind man with an unmistakeable laugh. He treated everyone his equal." Rivals.com's Gabe DeArmond: "Bryan Burwell was one of the good ones. He'll be missed by those of us that had a chance to know him and work beside him." Fox Sports Midwest's Luke Thompson: "When I was a lowly intern at the P-D 5 years ago, Bryan Burwell was never too busy to offer me a smile and advice when I saw him." MSG Network's John Giannone: "Bryan Burwell was a colleague, a wordsmith and a kind man with an always-gracious greeting. Another good person, taken far too soon." WGNU-AM's Frank Cusumano: "In 2 years of radio together, he never walked into the studio in a bad mood. U may disagree with him. Can't argue Bryan Burwell was class." Yahoo Sports' Marc Spears: "The legend broke barriers for black journalists. No ego. Big loss. Sad Day." ESPN's J.A. Adande: "I was lucky to have him as a mentor and privileged to have him as a friend. The sports world will miss his voice." ESPN's Adam Schefter: "Bryan Burwell was good enough on TV to make people forget he was a writer, and a good enough writer to make people forget he was on TV." Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski: "Bryan Burwell walked into room and commanded respect of everyone. It wasn't 'Look at me,' as much as 'Watch me.' Few so respected and liked." ESPN.com's Wayne Drehs: "We say great things about anyone who passes. With Bryan Burwell it's all true. One of most kind-hearted men I've known. Need more like him."
