The world of radio and sports journalism lost one of its brightest talents on December 26, 2023, when Matt Napolitano passed away at the age of 33. Napolitano, who was an out gay sports reporter for Fox News, died as the result of an infection, according to his family.
Napolitano had a passion for sports and media since he was a child. He graduated from Hofstra University in 2012, where he majored in journalism and minored in political science. He was also a member of the Hofstra radio station, WRHU, where he covered various sports events and hosted his own show.
A Remarkable Career in Radio and Sports Media
After graduating from Hofstra, Napolitano pursued his dream of becoming a radio and sports journalist. He worked briefly for Merlin Media and TMZ before joining Fox News Media in 2014. There, he became a sports reporter and anchor for Fox News Headlines 24/7, a satellite radio station that provides breaking news and updates.
Matt covered some of the biggest sports stories and events of the past decade, including two Super Bowls, a World Series, two Daytona 500s, and three Heisman ceremonies. He also interviewed many prominent sports figures, such as Tom Brady, Derek Jeter, Serena Williams, and Tiger Woods.
Matt Napolitano was not only a skilled reporter, but also a charismatic and witty personality. He had a knack for making his listeners laugh and feel entertained, while also delivering accurate and informative news. He was also a fan of game shows, and appeared on several popular ones, such as “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire”, “Wheel of Fortune”, and “Jeopardy”. He even won $50,000 on “Millionaire” in 2019, which he donated to charity.
A Proud and Inspiring Member of the LGBTQ+ Community
Napolitano was also a proud and inspiring member of the LGBTQ+ community. He came out as gay in 2015, and was one of the few openly gay sports reporters in the industry. He used his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, and to support other LGBTQ+ journalists and athletes. He was also a mentor and a role model for many young LGBTQ+ people who aspired to follow his footsteps.
Matt Napolitano was honored with several awards and recognitions for his work and his activism. He received the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Digital Journalism in 2018, for his article on the challenges and opportunities for LGBTQ+ athletes in the Winter Olympics. He was also named one of the Outsports 100, a list of the most influential LGBTQ+ people in sports, in 2019.
Matt Napolitano Obituary and Death
Matt was not only a successful and respected journalist, but also a loving and beloved son, brother, and friend. He was born in New York City, and grew up in Long Island, with his parents, Frank and Mary, and his younger brother, Michael. He was very close to his family, and often shared his love and gratitude for them on social media. He also had a large and loyal circle of friends, who described him as a kind, generous, and fun-loving person.
Matt Napolitano’s family and friends are devastated by his sudden and tragic death, and have expressed their grief and condolences on various platforms. His colleagues at Fox News also paid tribute to him, and praised him for his professionalism, his talent, and his spirit. His listeners and fans also mourned his loss, and thanked him for his contributions and his inspiration.
Napolitano’s legacy will live on through his work, his voice, and his impact. He was a rising star in radio and sports journalism, who left an indelible mark on the industry and the society. He was a trailblazer, a leader, and a hero for the LGBTQ+ community, who broke barriers and opened doors for others. He was a loving and beloved son, brother, and friend, who touched many lives and hearts. He will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.
