Mike Downey, a renowned sports columnist known for his work at The Detroit Free Press and Chicago Sun-Times, has passed away. Downey was celebrated for his quick wit, entertaining and thought-provoking columns, and his generous nature. His writing style, described as youthful, funny, and eclectic, paved the way for many in the industry. Colleagues remember him as a kind and encouraging figure, who always had time for everyone. Downey's contributions to sports journalism and his impact on his peers and readers will be fondly remembered.
Thank-you Mike Downey for bestowing this once-young ball-writer with so much encouragement a few decades ago ... will always remember your hand-written notes, paper-clipped to a story of mine you complimented me on, and always signed, "From one Mike D. to another." RIP my friend. https://t.co/R9tefMgomL
This is very sad news. I worked with Mike way back when @reviewjournal. We kept in touch sporadically over the years, and I still have some email exchanges with him saved on my computer. He was a guy who really cared. RIP. https://t.co/56ZVYkJOBX
A friend, a colleague, a giant//Mike Downey was the quickest wit in town ... and a sweetheart of a guy - Chicago Sun-Times https://t.co/01Ix65wMfF
Genuinely one of my favorite persons (and beat writers) I’ve ever encountered and worked alongside, my hat is off to @MikeOHaraNFL as he heads into an extremely well-deserved and earned retirement. 24 years later, I still repeat many of the things Mike (who worked for a competing… https://t.co/cT1niGGZHn
Mike Downey was the quickest wit in town -- and a sweetheart of a guy. My column: #Cubs @Suntimes @chicagotribune https://t.co/dZwjnCO91I
Mike Downey paved the way for me in Detroit. He opened the door for a unique form of sports column writing — youthful, funny, eclectic. And when he left the @freep, they were desperate for "the next Mike Downey", and hired a 25 year-old, very-green kid out of Florida. 1/3 https://t.co/ZYuhjhL84R
Mike Downey was among the kindest, most generous colleagues I’ve ever worked with and it was a privilege to be his friend. What a gifted writer and wonderful guy. RIP, Mike. Nice tribute, Sully. https://t.co/FsBxsC7Dty
May Mike rest in peace. His columns in The Detroit Free Press were not only entertaining, thought-provoking and at times acidic, they were one of the inspirations for me getting in this business. https://t.co/7z0XbKGVrC
Mike always had time for anyone and everyone. A delight in press boxes everywhere. https://t.co/JhT1dKKIQL