Rick Reilly

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by parasites, killing between one to three million people every year. The disease is especially prevalent in Africa, taking the lives of many youth before they ever get the chance to shine as human beings.
Rick Reilly is an award-winning sportswriter recognized as among the best in his industry. He typically incorporates a hysterical level of humor, poking fun at athletes for their annoying intricacies and their disrespect towards “us lesser beings.” However, he does sometimes illustrate his serious side, writing articles focusing on themes of family, heroism, and human spirit. Recently, Reilly wrote about a young group of kids battling a serious illness, getting to carry out a dream at Yankee Stadium, getting to hang out with the New York Yankees, including star-pitcher A.J. Burnett
On May 1, 2006—my birthday—Reilly requested donations for these nets. This request—this seed, a simple 815-word article has bloomed into over $25 million of support. The Nothing But Nets Foundation was created in 2006 to try and combat malaria by providing nets to children in Africa to help give protection.
The influence of this simple column—the effect Rick Reilly has had on a fight for humanity and safety—is truly remarkable and inspiring.
Formally with Sports Illustrated, Reilly currently writes for ESPN. His columns are linked to a blog that archives all of his work. His contributions can always been seen on the front page of ESPN.com as well as ESPN’s bi-monthly publication, ESPN The Magazine. His columns/blog-posts come out around once a week and always have either a profound impact or provide a great laugh.
His academic work relates specifically to my blog topic and my passion of sports. I am among a whole slew of sports fans who are avid followers of Reilly’s work. His writing, though, extends to an audience that goes beyond just the simple, big-time, or hardcore sports fan, especially with his human-interest stories that reach out to anyone that has a beating heart.
With my blog, I would like to take a similar approach to Reilly. Through his blog and his work, Reilly acts as an anonymous mentor. I will sometimes draw from his stories and taker my own approach. I do not plan to shadow his writing or copy his ideas. I plan to learn from him and use his work to help mold my style and to make my blog something worth reading.
Eight-hundred and fifteen words led to over $25 million dollars, money going towards an honorable, life-saving cause, Money inspired by one idea…one column…one man. I don’t know if I will ever write anything, say anything, or do anything that will save lives or help out a cause to such a strong degree. However, I do know that I will always write what I believe and not write what I think people want to hear. I will stand up for causes and people and hope that one day I can impact a single life with my actions the way Rick Reilly impacted thousands upon thousands of lives helping the fight of malaria in Africa.