Jeff Webb has died at the age of 76.
minute read
Jeff Webb, the founder of Varsity Spirit and the creator of modern cheerleading, has died at the age of 76.
Webb launched Varsity Spirit in 1974 and is widely credited with transforming cheerleading into the organized, competitive activity it is today. Later in life, Webb was the CEO of Human Events Media Group, a role he took great pride in as he fought for a more fiscally responsible and freedom-centered version of America.
According to Cheer Daily, Webb died after suffering a fall during a sporting activity and was transported to the hospital. He did not recover from his injuries.
“Jeff played a pivotal role in shaping cheerleading as it exists today and in building a community that has impacted generations of athletes, coaches, and teams,” a Varsity Spirit spokesperson said. “In recent years, his contributions helped grow the sport both in the United States and globally, including his work with the International Cheer Union, which achieved full recognition by the International Olympic Committee in 2021.”
Beyond Varsity Spirit, Webb helped establish several major organizations in the sport, including the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators, the United States All Star Federation, USA Cheer, and the International Cheer Union.
He was also a longtime presence on television, providing commentary for more than 200 cheerleading broadcasts on ESPN, and appearing on many news and opinion shows throughout his storied career.
Webb announced last fall he was selling Human Events and The Post Millennial to the parent company of Just the News. John Solomon, the founder and CEO of Just the News, said Thursday night that Webb was working with the company to help build a new events business.
"Jeff was a brilliant businessman and entrepreneur and a joyful warrior who made everyone around him better," Solomon said. "He had a passion for ensuring America’s next generations could carry on the torch of liberty, whether through the creation of the Varsity franchise or through his friendship with Charlie Kirk. He will be sorely missed."
We at Human Events and The Post Millennial will be forever grateful to Jeff for his leadership, wisdom and stewardship of our brands. He was a visionary, builder, entrepreneur, mentor and friend. He took a bet on resurrecting a legacy publication in Human Events and investing in a scrappy new startup, The Post Millennial. Under his leadership, the outlets grew and thrived and we all benefitted in countless ways from his discernment, business sense, and big heart.
Human Events Senior Editor Jack Posobiec said "Jeff was a visionary New Media leader who dreamed big and took action. He believed in the promise of New Media and took a chance on Human Events and The Post Millennial after discussions with Charlie Kirk. Jeff’s pivotal contributions to independent media will go down in American history. I will be forever proud to say I worked for him."
Human Events and Post Millennial Editor-in-Chief Libby Emmons said "Jeff was a kind man and patriot who cared deeply about his county, his colleagues and his work. He took on Human Events and The Post Millennial to bring the promise of a great American future to new generations of readers. It was an honor working with him and I know his is a legacy none of us will soon forget."
Webb launched Varsity Spirit in 1974 and is widely credited with transforming cheerleading into the organized, competitive activity it is today. Later in life, Webb was the CEO of Human Events Media Group, a role he took great pride in as he fought for a more fiscally responsible and freedom-centered version of America.
According to Cheer Daily, Webb died after suffering a fall during a sporting activity and was transported to the hospital. He did not recover from his injuries.
“Jeff played a pivotal role in shaping cheerleading as it exists today and in building a community that has impacted generations of athletes, coaches, and teams,” a Varsity Spirit spokesperson said. “In recent years, his contributions helped grow the sport both in the United States and globally, including his work with the International Cheer Union, which achieved full recognition by the International Olympic Committee in 2021.”
Beyond Varsity Spirit, Webb helped establish several major organizations in the sport, including the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators, the United States All Star Federation, USA Cheer, and the International Cheer Union.
He was also a longtime presence on television, providing commentary for more than 200 cheerleading broadcasts on ESPN, and appearing on many news and opinion shows throughout his storied career.
Webb announced last fall he was selling Human Events and The Post Millennial to the parent company of Just the News. John Solomon, the founder and CEO of Just the News, said Thursday night that Webb was working with the company to help build a new events business.
"Jeff was a brilliant businessman and entrepreneur and a joyful warrior who made everyone around him better," Solomon said. "He had a passion for ensuring America’s next generations could carry on the torch of liberty, whether through the creation of the Varsity franchise or through his friendship with Charlie Kirk. He will be sorely missed."
We at Human Events and The Post Millennial will be forever grateful to Jeff for his leadership, wisdom and stewardship of our brands. He was a visionary, builder, entrepreneur, mentor and friend. He took a bet on resurrecting a legacy publication in Human Events and investing in a scrappy new startup, The Post Millennial. Under his leadership, the outlets grew and thrived and we all benefitted in countless ways from his discernment, business sense, and big heart.
Human Events Senior Editor Jack Posobiec said "Jeff was a visionary New Media leader who dreamed big and took action. He believed in the promise of New Media and took a chance on Human Events and The Post Millennial after discussions with Charlie Kirk. Jeff’s pivotal contributions to independent media will go down in American history. I will be forever proud to say I worked for him."
Human Events and Post Millennial Editor-in-Chief Libby Emmons said "Jeff was a kind man and patriot who cared deeply about his county, his colleagues and his work. He took on Human Events and The Post Millennial to bring the promise of a great American future to new generations of readers. It was an honor working with him and I know his is a legacy none of us will soon forget."
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