Renowned Arkansas sports journalist Bob Holt passes away at the age of 65

Little Rock, Arkansas – Bob Holt, a dedicated sports reporter for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 65 after an impressive 43-year career covering the Arkansas Razorbacks.

A report indicates that Holt collapsed on Saturday while returning to the press box at Faurot Field in Columbia, MO., after the Razorbacks’ defeat to the University of Missouri in the 2024 regular season football finale. He stayed in the hospital until he passed away on Wednesday night. The cause of death remains unspecified.

Last night on X, Wally Hall, the managing editor for sports at the Democrat-Gazette, shared the news of Holt’s passing.

Holt’s last byline, featuring a series of vignettes from the Arkansas-Missouri game, was published in Sunday’s newspaper.

According to his official biography, Holt, a Mizzou graduate, was affiliated with the Football Writers Association of America, held a position on the board of directors for the U.S. Basketball Writers Association, and participated as a voter for both the Heisman Trophy and the AP Top 25 basketball poll.

Holt, a four-time Arkansas Sportswriter of the Year and a 2022 inductee into the Arkansas Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame was known for his vibrant and friendly demeanor.
With his down-to-earth approach and an impressive array of insightful questions, he captivated coaches, athletes, and fans alike.

AL.com characterized Holt as “The most curious reporter at SEC Media Days and a reluctant cult hero.”

He possesses a wealth of knowledge. In 2014, former SEC commissioner Mike Slive remarked to the website, “He’s a gentleman.” “It’s a person that, from the moment I met him, has always remained unforgettable to me.” His identity was unmistakable.

Since 1981, Holt has dedicated himself to covering Razorbacks sports, making the Hogs his exclusive focus. At news conferences, opposing coaches would often elaborate on their own teams, but when the Arkansas Razorbacks were brought up, it was clear that Bob Holt was the one posing the question.

“I am not employed by the Wall Street Journal,” Holt stated to AL.com. “I am not employed by the New York Times.” I want to clarify that I am not an employee of USA Today. I am employed by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, and as Bill Clinton puts it, ‘It’s a small, wonderful state.’ However, I believe it’s essential to focus on the local perspective.