Frank Deford, longtime sports writer, commentator, dies at 78

KEY WEST, Fla. (KABC) -- NPR confirmed Monday longtime sports writer and commentator Frank Deford has died at age 78.

His wife, Carol Penner Deford, said the broadcaster passed away in his home in Key West, Florida on Sunday.

Deford wrote for Sports Illustrated for 50 years before taking on a broadcasting role with NPR. He also wrote 18 books, including "Everybody's All-American."

Deford had announced his retirement from NPR after 37 years earlier in May.

The six-time Sports Writer of the Year was the first sports writer awarded the National Humanities Medal. In 2013, President Barack Obama honored him for "transforming how we think about sports." Deford called the award the one he is most proud of.

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In this Feb. 10, 2012 file photo, actor Max von Sydow poses at the International Film Festival Berlinale, in Berlin.

AP Photo/Gero Breloer, File

The Associated Press contributed to this report.