Community reacts to passing of Arkansas Razorbacks reporting legend Bob Holt

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Condolences came in the thousands from near and far to news of the passing of Arkansas Razorback reporting legend Bob Holt.

Holt was the Arkansas Razorback beat writer for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette since 1981, according to his X (formerly Twitter) bio. Democrat-Gazette Sports Columnist Wally Hall, a legend in his own right, confirmed in a post to X that the 65-year-old Holt passed at 10:38 p.m. Wednesday.

“Bob Holt, one of the last great true Journalist passed at 10:38 tonight,” Hall posted. “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.”

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Hall’s post generated numerous replies from posters who spoke highly of Holt and their sadness at his passing.

The Southeastern Conference also took note of Holt’s passing, posting a graphic that included a picture of Holt and stated:

“Bob Holt was a legend in the Southeastern Conference media corps and a friend to everyone. He played a starring role in our Football Media Days and I will miss hearing him challenge our coaches with both insightful questions and witty retorts.”

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University of Arkansas head basketball coach John Calipari offered his condolences in an X post.

“Such sad news. Bob Holt passed away last night. He was a well known sports writer in Arkansas and throughout SEC. Bob was one of the GOOD GUYS in the profession. I was getting to know him better and was looking forward to working with him. His sudden passing rocked us all. My prayers go out to Bob and his family. RIP my new friend.”

UA Director of Athletics Hunter Yurachek also posted regret on the news of Holt’s passing.

“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.”

SEC Associate Commissioner Herb Vincent posted about Holt’s kindness above the picture of the man smiling at a news conference.

“This is the way I’ll always remember Bob Holt … with a smile on his face and a microphone in his hand, asking a question that was probably entertaining but definitely insightful. He was a face I always looked forward to seeing when I returned home to Arkansas. He defined kindness and will truly be missed. RIP Bob.”

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Former Razorback head football coach and current University of Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema spoke of Holt’s impact, posting two candid pictures of a smiling Holt above.

“These two pics are a great reminder of the man I loved getting a question from after a win or loss and especially on Media Day,” Bielema posted. “He was a true professional and balanced that with humor and his overall love for everything Arkansas. Bob Holt made an impact on ALL of us.”

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey had kind words in Holt’s memory.

“Bob brought a smile to every conversation. We are sad to have lost him but are grateful for the memories. At 2025 SEC Football Media Days we need to leave the first question unasked as Bob often provided that first question. We all will miss Bob.”

FOX 16 Sports Director Wess Moore added a statement in memory of Holt.

“Bob was well known not only in Arkansas but across the SEC.  The large amount of tweets on social media are just a small indication in the number of people he impacted.”

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Pig Trail Nation anchor Alyssa Orange shared her memories of Holt.

“Bob was the GOAT. Bob was the kindest person I have ever met. Bob was funny, witty, inquisitive, talented, and real. He loved his job. He loved his cats. He loved his Packers. On Thanksgiving we were joking with each other about the Dolphins-Packers game and he goes ‘I hope they beat them pretty bad,’ I will miss him dearly.”

These posts generated countless responses from sports fans and reporters with fond memories of Holt’s reporting and professionalism.