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Bryan Burwell Obituary
Burwell joined the Post-Dispatch in 2002 after working as a sports correspondent for HBO's "Inside the NFL."
During his long sports career, Burwell also wrote columns for USA today, The Detroit News and worked at the New York Daily News and New York Newsday.
His columns and feature stories were honored by the Associated Press Sports Editors, and won awards from the Associated Press, United Press International, the National Association of Black Journalists, the Professional Basketball Writers Association and the Professional Football Writers Association.
Memories and Condolences
for Bryan Burwell
685 Entries
Scott Boyer
September 5, 2023
I was never fortunate enough to meet him. I loved his writing style and remember one article he shared about Dr. J. slamming the ball from the top of the key in college. GOD bless his surviving family. I'll get to see him one day soon...
Kevin Holloway
December 4, 2020
My neighbor, friend, and golf buddy - wish we had more time. RIP!
DIANE WILLIAMS
March 22, 2020
I wish we'd stayed in touch after our sports stringer days at The Washington Star. Too bad there was no Facebook or Instagram or Twitter in 1981. RIP, "Burd."
Paul Pomaski
May 18, 2016
I worked with Brian for a short time at the Detroit news when he was first hired there. Very humble and congenial guy. I had more than one Coney Dog with him at Lafayette Coney Island and a few beers at the Anchor Bar. Sorry for your loss
Sen CHARLES SCOTT(D-MD)
March 18, 2015
Blessing be with you; Almighty given, taken*
Mike Wise
March 10, 2015
Belated condolences to his family. No one ever made me feel more a part of a press box. No one ever will. Godspeed. Wherever Burwell is now, they can't believe their luck.
Emilia Fannan
February 5, 2015
My sympathies to the family for a great loss. Mr. Burwell was not just a fine journalist and one of the best, but an equally fine man.
David Martin Sr
February 2, 2015
God Bless Bryan Burwell. RIP
JV Koenig
January 23, 2015
Just learned of Bryan's death today, 01/23/15. I live in Seattle, WA and am not always current on news from my birthplace, St. Louis, Mo.
I knew Bryan primarily from podcasts of Sports Radio 920, but also fom his work at stltoday.com. He was a top-notch writer and reporter, who exuded warmth and enthusiasm for life, people, and his profession.
My life has been enhanced by long-distance contact with Bryan Burwell, the man and the journalist. I know I am not alone with this thought.
My condolences to his family and co-workers. And my belated adiós to Bryan.
John Turner
January 5, 2015
My prayers and thoughts go out to Mr. Burwell family and friends. The world has lost a great guy who covered sports with a passion like no other. The Big guy must of needed to top report for the Big games in heaven. Rest in Piece Bryan
Lorna Valentine- Manigault
January 5, 2015
I just learned of Bryan's death. Many years ago the Burwell family (Carolann, Harold and Bryan) and I attended the same elementary and after school program. My prayers go out to the entire family
January 5, 2015
My condolences to the family. I remember Brian from Williams Hall at VSC freshmen year. A really cool dude who was into eating healthy back then.
Dublin Brooks, Halifax,VA
Valdron Ingram
January 5, 2015
Never knew Bryan personally, but always felt a personal connection when watching or reading his stories. You were one if a kind and you will be missed. RIP, condolences to the Burwell family.
Keith naud
December 27, 2014
I met brianin the airport in Milwaukee. I just recently moved to St. Louis and started reading his column and I thoroughly enjoyed his craft. I walked up to him and he was as nice as could be. He walked with me to the baggage claim like we were old buddies. I jread this just now because I don't live in St. Louis any longer but I follow the dispatch from time to time. I know he will be missed and I will miss him too.
Oner
Dave Kost
December 24, 2014
Just learning of Bryan's passing. My sincerest condolences. Heaven just got a bright star that will make everyone around him a better soul. Thoughts and prayers with his friends, fans and the entire Burwell family.
andrea chiles
December 17, 2014
My heart goes out to you for the deep loss you must be feeling for your beloved. How sad to lose someone so loved and so needed. May you find comfort in prayer and in one another (Jeremiah 29:12, 13)
Joel Lucas
December 17, 2014
My and my family's sympathy and condolences go out to Bryan's family. I grew up across the street from Bryan and his family in NE DC. I recall Bryan's father and mother who were like extended parents to me. His brother Harold (Buster) and his sister CarolAnn were like a brother and sister. And then there was Bryan; we learned together how to play football in and on Randolph St, and during the summer we would play in the open fire hydrant on his corner. I am sorry that I lost track of him after college at Va State. I am lucky and blessed to have been a part of his life. Our best to his family.
Alicia Thompson
December 15, 2014
I have wonderful childhood memories of Bryan, the Burwell Family, and my family growing up in DC. We went to St. Francis de Sales Church/School. My deepest condolences to Bryan's wife, children, Carolann, Buster (Unk Harold-Aunt Ursula)and the remaining Burwell family & friends
December 13, 2014
My prayers and sympathy are extended to the family. May Bryan's spirit live long in our hearts and minds forever!
James Jones
December 12, 2014
I really enjoyed listening to him on the sports reporter and reading his columns in the New York papers. Rest in peace sir you shown yourself to be a outstanding person.
Peter Meyer
December 11, 2014
I will really miss Bryan's articles. He was a great sports writer, who had a unique perspective. He keenly understood how societal issues impacted sports. My condolences to Mr. Burwell's family.
Richard Brutine
December 11, 2014
Bryan your humility as a sports writer is the merit badge that future sports journalists will want to emulate. May Divine Providence bless your family and family of friends... today and always.
Rich Brutine
St. Louis, MO
Lucia King
December 11, 2014
Rest in Peace Bryan. Thanks for your contribution to sports journalism.
Dave Marziale
December 10, 2014
My condolences to the Burwell family. As a Mizzou alum, I particularly enjoyed Bryan's outstanding analysis of the Tigers. He was a fine sportswriter.
Kevin Boone
December 10, 2014
Always thought of Bryan as a media pioneer and it was sheer delight to observe the respect and attention he drew at the NABJ national conferences. Perhaps an award can be named in his honor for future conferences. He was a great sports journalist.
Jeff Gordon
December 10, 2014
Bryan will be in our thoughts forever. What a sportswriter and what a gentleman.
Larry Woolfolk
December 10, 2014
Rest in peace Bryan. Thank you for all the joy you brought sports fans over the years. Gonna miss you my brother.
Cornell Hills
December 9, 2014
Knowing you as a fellow dad was a blessing. You were the first "dance dad" I connected with and you made it feel natural. Your wife and daughter were like you: open, warm, accessible and great to be with. My heartfelt condolences to your wonderful wife and daughter, Bryan. May your eternal rest be truly peaceful
Rickey Hampton
December 9, 2014
Love you, Nupe. May the good Lord smile upon your soul.
Tommy Alfonso
December 9, 2014
May you sit at the right hand of God, Mr Burwell. RIP
P Singleton
December 9, 2014
Condolences to the Burwell Family! As always, BB was respectful and notably smart. He will be missed!
Jordan Sittner
December 9, 2014
great sports writer better person
John X. Miller
December 9, 2014
Loved working with Bryan at USA Today; in person, in columns, on Sports Reporters, he was consummate journalist and man. He'll be missed by all who knew him.
ted wemhoener
December 9, 2014
although we never met, i felt i knew him through reading his articles and seeing him online.my heartfelt condolences to his family and to those lucky enough to have known him.
Billy Liggons
December 9, 2014
Rest in Peace Dear friend.
December 8, 2014
My condolences to the Burwell family.I will pray for your strength.
S.White
Dan McCulley
December 8, 2014
Didn't always agree but always read what he had to say. Great writer and ambassador for St Louis. Felt proud that he worked for my local paper.
Percy Brooks
December 8, 2014
RIP. You finished the job!
Rev. Maurice Broadnax
December 8, 2014
May the lord strengthen the Burwell family.Bryan was the greatest sports reporter of his era. We are praying for his beautiful wife and daughter.
December 8, 2014
Burwell Family,
We were sadden to hear of the loss of your dear loved one. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time. Treasure his awesome memories. PS.147:3-He heals the brokenhearted; He binds up their wounds.
Percy Mills
December 7, 2014
RIP Mr. Bryan Burwell. Enjoyed watching you on Sports Reporters. You were an inspiration to me and you will be missed.
John Hayth
December 7, 2014
RIP, Bryan. I only knew your work from your time in STL. I enjoyed it,even though, I did not always agree with it, but I thought your opinions were well thought out. You also were never rude or mean to people that did not agree with you, and you let everyone talk. Thank you for your hours of entertainment to my some times boring life. I appreciated you, and I pray you are writing the big sports column that matters with the Lord above.
John Benson
December 7, 2014
What sad, sad news.
I never had a chance to see,meet, or even be near Bryan, but I LOVED everything he wrote. There was something special about it - a kind of enthusiasm and purity that just isn't there in what a lot of sports writers produce. I always had a sense of him as being upbeat and optimistic.
I can't imagine the sense of loss you (his family) must be feeling right now - as well as his colleagues and all the members of the Cardinals.
I can't come to his funeral since I live several hundred miles away and am in poor health. But I will be with all of you in spirit when you gather to honor Bryan.
I can't i
Steven Holland
December 7, 2014
Rest in peace, Mr Burwell. Thank you for your insight.
Richard Flores
December 7, 2014
Never met the man but always enjoyed his column had the upmost respect for him,rest in peace
The Hill Family
December 7, 2014
I join others in grief of the loss of Mr. Burwell. My husband and I enjoyed his style of reporting. We especially love his piece in the documentary on the Fab Five. Also, we truly loved hearing his perspective on Sunday's Sport's Reporters. To his family we offer our prayers. May God be with you during this diificult time.
joe kirwin
December 7, 2014
We started out in journalism at the Washington Star. His professionalism stood out along with unpretentious personality. My condolences to his family.
Octavio Narvaez
December 7, 2014
RIP, Mr. Burwell. You will be missed.
Ryan Basen
December 7, 2014
I worked with Bryan at HBO. I was a clueless kid right out of college, but he asked for and listened to my opinions. He continued to mentor me after we both left HBO. He was a standup guy and will certainly be missed.
John Michael Marty
December 7, 2014
Bryan never wrote a column that I didn't read til the end. He was definitely opiniated, and that was what I liked about him so much. Even the ones I didn't agree with, I so appreciated his ability to make his point. Although I never met him, the comments from his peers validate my high opinion of him personally. I'll definitely miss you, Bryan, and to his family, my heartfelt condolences.
Jeffery Shoults
December 7, 2014
Living in the St Louis area, I was exposed to Burwell's work on a daily basis. Rarely did I pay attention to the author of newspaper columns, I just wanted to know the facts about my favorite sports teams. Bryan Burwell changed that for me. His writing was different; smart and personal, with a touch of humor. Anyone could lay out stats and tell readers what happened on the field, but this Burwell guy always had a way of describing events unlike the others. I always sought out his writing, wanted his point of view before I read the others. He wasn't afraid of taking on unpopular subjects and could easily sway my opinion with his thoughtful words. I always enjoyed his work, even if I didn't agree with him. He was my favorite and he will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Leslie Savage
December 7, 2014
Praying for the family! I enjoyed his view on sports. The world and sport world have loss a great reporter! With vision that was unmatched.
Tim Haupt
December 7, 2014
He was a great sports reporter and will be missed.
Kyle Jones
December 7, 2014
Deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Burwell's passing. My condolences to the Burwell family and those who were close to him.
December 7, 2014
Burwell was volunteering for a Mentor St. Louis Golf tournament. As we spoke, I mentioned that my son was a fanatical Rams fan and was soon getting married. Burwell did not know me or my son personally yet he took the time to sign a wedding card and mailed it to my son. Needless to say my son was estatic. Brian was just so down to earth, loving, caring and the kind of son any mother would love and be proud of. Derek and I will miss him and his football columns. Our sympathies to his wife and daughter.
Vera and Derek Atkinson
simon family
December 7, 2014
Thanks My Friend
george simon
December 7, 2014
Still hard to belive.Praying for all
Ralph O'Brien
December 7, 2014
Sports world will miss an important Icon. I did not know him personally but I'm sure he was an awesome son, wonderful father and certainly a great man.
HARVEY SHELTON
December 7, 2014
"One day a son asked his father, " Why is it always the best people who die? The Father answered, Son if you are in a meadow, which flowers do you pick? The worst or the best.
Bryan was more than a classmate; he was my fraternity brother for life, my college roommate, my brother from another mother, my road dog, my tormentor, and my confidant.
I miss his grilled cheese sandwiched....
I will truly miss the Birdman.....but the four years with him at VSC are truly precious and invaluable to me.
Brothers In The Bond,
Love you Bryan
Harvey
Michael Anderson
December 7, 2014
I'm a avid ESPN watcher and I'll forever miss Began and my condolences goes out to his family
Wayne Lipford
December 7, 2014
Rest in Peace Bro!! We lost a Great Man. Wish I could have met you.
Barbara Forman-Mack
December 7, 2014
I looked forward to his appearances on Sports Reporters every time. His comments and observations were always well reasoned and spot on. He will be missed
Laura
December 7, 2014
You, Bryan Burrell were one of my favorite Sports Reporters. You were
never abrasive or mean spirited in your commentary. You will truly be
missed. Condolences to your family and many fans.
David Miller
December 7, 2014
My sincere condolences to Bryan's family and friends. He excelled at his profession and will be missed by many.
Larry Thomas
December 7, 2014
Rest In Peace Mr. Burwell. I marveled at your work, professionalism and candor.
Bill Berry
December 7, 2014
I am a big Rams fan from South Florida and always went to the St Louis paper online to get updates on the Rams, always saw you and your articles and videos, I will surely miss your great angles on the horns. The lord is surely saying "JOB WELL DONE BB"
VERNELL INGRAM
December 7, 2014
My heartfelt condolences to his family,
Dwight Bonamy
December 7, 2014
Was a pleasure being informed by you, may eternal rest be your column now
December 7, 2014
Dear Carol Ann and Family .Rodney & I are sadden to hear of the loss of your Brother. We enjoyed watching him on The Sports Reporter.Let me know if there is anything I can do for you and your family. You all will be in my prayers.Belinda & Rodney Jones.
DARRYL ISOM
December 7, 2014
You will be missed,but know that you will never be forgotten. My family will keep your family in prayer. Thank you for your insight,wisdom and laughter.
December 7, 2014
So sad to find out about the passing of Bryan. I enjoyed his comentary. I pray that he is at peace.
Dr. G-E and Family
Yvette Pratcher
December 7, 2014
My sympathy to his wife, daughter and family. I always loved hearing his view on the Sports Reporter. Seeing him debate with his peers for the sports was great. Rest in peace.
Peter Thompson
December 7, 2014
Condolences to the Burwell family. I will always remember him giving good thought provoking answers and conversation on the sports reporters. Thank you Bryan
Kenneth Frazer
December 7, 2014
I loved his columns as well as his work on the Sports Reporters. He was always passionate, professional and pleasure to listen to his insightful perspectives. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Aaron Fentress
December 7, 2014
A legend and a pioneer. Sad loss.
Lena Washington
December 7, 2014
I am very sorry to hear of his passing, May God keep and bless the family.
Mr. & Mrs. Washington
Rodney Saucier
December 6, 2014
Really sorry to hear that such a great writer has left us. I really enjoyed his writings with USA Today and his work on Inside The NFL. He will be missed!
Chucky Santiago
December 6, 2014
My condolences to the Burwell family. He brought me news about my favorite team. And he did it with much aloha though he may not have been aware of it. I will miss hearing from him, though not as much as you. Love and aloha!!
Brent B
December 6, 2014
Thank you for your great sports coverage and writing. I was stunned to hear of passing, and send warm thoughts and peace to your family and friends.
Michael Rao
December 6, 2014
Brian didn't just inform us about sports, he taught us more about what is really important in life.
Gerard Pleasant
December 6, 2014
I pray that the HOLY SPIRIT COMFORT the family and give you all a peace beyond your understanding.
Al Weirki
December 6, 2014
So sorry to hear about Brian. I loved to watch him on the reporters on ESPN. He was a gret guest and the sharpest dresser on the show. I will surely miss him. Al W from St. Louis now living in Bay Vilage, Ohio
Alton Drayton
December 6, 2014
I met Bryan at Virginia State in 1973. To his close friends he was known for his great smile, booming laugh and great skill, even then, as a writer for the College paper. I am so honored to have written him and told him, over the years, how much I admired his work. I saw him in various sports venues on several occasions and we always laughed about some of the things we did in college.
My life is better because I knew him.
I'm going to miss my friend.
Garfield Layne
December 6, 2014
I bought the NY Daily News every day to read Bryan Burwell column. The cadence of his stories were my cadence and I could hear the passion in the words he wrote. Rest in peace.
Bennie White
December 6, 2014
Sorry for the Burwell family loss, that spot on SR I'm sure will be filled but it won't be the same.
December 6, 2014
RIP
Pam Davis
December 6, 2014
I am heart-broken at the loss of Bryan Burwell. He was one of the very best sports writers of our time. The sports world has lost a true voice of honesty and sincerity. I was especially proud of him as I am also a VSC Trojan. My sympathy to his wife and daughter as I know how difficult it is to lose your rock. Always know that he was loved and respected by many of us who never met him but only knew him thru his writings.
Gary DeSutter
December 6, 2014
enjoyed your enthusiasm, being straight forward with your reporting. GO RAMS
Greg Thrasher
December 6, 2014
Write something for me BB one day:-)
KATHRYN HARTNETT
December 6, 2014
TOTHE BURWELL FAMIY MY CONDOLENCES. WILL KEEP YOU ALL IN MY PRAYERS. I HAVE ALWAYS ENJOYED HIS APPEARANCES ON THE SPORTS REPORTERS.
Patrick Beaty
December 6, 2014
A sad day for the city of St. Louis, we lost a beloved voice for our community and a stellar journalist. He will be sorely missed and my condolences and prayers are with his family.
December 6, 2014
Deepest condolences to the family on your great loss. However, death was not God's original purpose for mankind. His purpose for life forever on a paradise earth for obedient mankind will be realized as promised at Psalms 37: 9-11, 29. May you allow God to comfort you through this difficult time.
Sincerely,
J. Mitchell, Chicago, Illinois
Robert Eigel
December 6, 2014
I am shocked by learning of Bryan's death. I did not always agree with Bryan's viewpoints on all subjects, but I enjoyed. his football columns. He will be missed by everyone.
Robert L. Eigel, Col. USAF, (Ret)
Centerville, OH
December 6, 2014
Adios Bryan, now you get to cover all of the greatest names in the history of any sport. I think the Post should leave a blank column in your honor for a little while. Thanks
Ted Johnson
December 6, 2014
As an expat in Phoenix Brian kept my love of STL sports alive. I will miss you deeply. Love and prayers for your family.
December 6, 2014
Much love to you "Burd." You left this world the champion that you lived life! Memories of days on "The Virginia Statesman" student newspaper staff and as a fan of your career from ESPN forward. I will miss you fellow Trojan, and hope to see you in journalist/writer heaven one day.
Love, B. Blue
December 6, 2014
My thoughts are prayers are with the family.
W. B. (VSU Class Of 1977)
Clyde Nada
December 6, 2014
RIP Brian Burrell you'll be missed!
December 6, 2014
Our sympathies to the family. He will obviously be greatly missed. May the God of all comfort help you through this difficult time.
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