Bob Holt, a well-known sports reporter for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette who covered Arkansas Razorbacks for over 40 years, passed away on December 4 after a medical emergency. At the time of writing, the cause of death is not known. Bob Holt was 65 years old.

Willy Hall, a sports columnist at the same newspaper, announced the news on X, saying, “Bob Holt, one of the last great true journalists, passed at 10:38 tonight. Ironically, the doctor on duty was a former Razorback baseball player. Bob was an amazing person. Kindest most gentle man in the world, always lifting people up and helping them.”

Holt, a truly wonderful presence in press conferences across college football and a respected voice in SEC media, will be remembered for the way he covered the game with utmost dedication and respect. The reaction from his peers is enough for us to gauge how loved he was.

Michael Casagrande of Al.com put it the best. Talking about Holt, he said, “A reporter who could make even Nick Saban smile became his own reluctant institution — a humble, self-deprecating antithesis of all that people hate about our profession.” In a world filled with deadlines, competition over stories, and an overall rat race, Hold managed to stay in the middle while not chasing what everyone chased around him. The two minutes of fame habit never struck Holt.

A member of the Football Writers Association of America, he has also worked for the board of the U.S. Basketball Writers Association. He also had a vote for the Heisman Trophy and the AP Top 25 basketball poll. As the news of his sudden demise broke out, social media and tributes poured in for the four-time Arkansas Sportswriter of the Year.

Bob Holt—end of an era!

Holt’s prolonged friend and the Razorback VC& Director of Athletics at the University of Arkansas, Hunter Yurachek, also shared a heartfelt post on X.

“We are saddened to hear the news of the loss of longtime Arkansas sportswriter Bob Holt. Bob was the consummate journalist who helped tell the stories of razorback student-athletes, coaches, and fans to millions of readers across our state and beyond for four decades. His never-ending curiosity was genuine and allowed him to be inquisitive in a way that would allow him to get to the heart of any topic. Bob will be missed by many in our Razorback family, throughout the southeastern conference and within collegiate athletics. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him—Hunter Yurachek, Vice Chancellor and director of athletics.”

Holt was truly a legend and the OG of Arkansas sports; he repped the Razorbacks for 40 years. Hailing from Missouri, he started covering Higs Sports back in 1981 after graduating from Mizzou and basically became a cult hero. Now looking at Arkansas VC’s post, many of his fans are showering their prayers to the late Holt.

A fan commented, “RIP Bob, press conferences won’t be the same. Thanks for the memories.” Another fan wrote, “RIP Bob. Prayers to his family.” Moving forward, a fan called Scott Skarda said, “Such a sad day. Been reading, following, experiencing, and enjoying Bob all of those 4+ decades. A true Arkansas legend that will never be replaced! Sad day for Hog Sports fans.”

Given his die-hard fans’ responses, you can easily guess that Holt wasn’t just a reporter—he was an institution. With his folksy Midwest charm’ and fearless intervening style, Holt made a legacy that his fans and fellow reporters admired deeply. If you have ever tuned into SEC media days, you’ll know him as a guy who famously asked Nick Saban if he could control the weather. That perfect blend of humor and boldness defined who he was.

Moving forward, a fan penned a heartwarming message: “Simply said Bob was the best. Always a joy to be around. legends never die.” At last, a fan said, “First the golden retriever Ben, and now Bob!? The sports broadcast world is suffering.” recently, when he’s been hospitalized, Arkansas basketball coach John Calipari called for prayers for one of the great guys in this profession.

While Holt’s last article came after Arkansas lost to Missouri—his alma mater—on Saturday, what a poetic end to a storied career. On Thursday morning, the news of Bob Holt’s demise shook the college football world to its core. Rest easy, Bob! The whole college football world will miss you.