Fans, media, players pay tribute to Kentucky OL coach John Schlarman after his death at age 45
On Thursday morning, Kentucky announced the tragic news that OL coach John Schlarman had died at the age of 45.
Schlarman was battling cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of bile duct cancer, for the past 2 years, coaching through some intense treatments. His last coaching appearance was an Oct. 17 win over Tennessee, after which coach Mark Stoops presented him with the game ball.
Tributes have been pouring in all morning. Kentucky posted this beautiful and moving tribute featuring members of the Kentucky football family discussing what Schlarman meant to them:
https://twitter.com/UKFootball/status/1326892504667496448
That wasn’t the only tribute paid to Schlarman, though. As you can see below, the reactions poured in on Twitter after Thursday’s awful news:
John was everything we all strive to be: honest, tough, fair, respected. Kentucky football won’t be the same without him but his legacy will never fade. He was a fighter and we will strive every day to honor his warrior spirit. pic.twitter.com/EWm5myA2qd
— Mark Stoops (@UKCoachStoops) November 12, 2020
? Shlarm was an awesome dude to work with , #RIP Brother. https://t.co/sgOIuiUpaE
— Coach Lamar Thomas (@LamarCoachT) November 12, 2020
Heartbroken to hear this news. Always heard wonderful things about Coach. Prayers to everyone at UK. https://t.co/RgbIPt231d
— Anthony Dasher (@AnthonyDasher1) November 12, 2020
Very, very sad. I covered John as a player; one tough dude. He was an inspiration to his team as a coach. Never stopped fighting. https://t.co/Q4UJqr5Kbk
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) November 12, 2020
Prayers go out to Schlarman’s family and the Kentucky football family. John was absolutely beloved by his players and fellow coaches. https://t.co/I3aD6bd8ne
— Alex Scarborough (@AlexS_ESPN) November 12, 2020
“John Schlarman loves Kentucky,” Brown said. “He loves the university. He loves the state. He’s proud as hell to represent that university and that state.” — former UK player/coach Neal Brownhttps://t.co/PY8aVFuqIP
— Josh Moore (@JoshMooreHL) November 12, 2020
John Schlarman was a wonderful man, beloved by his players and one of the strongest people I have ever been around
He coached up until his last days and was an inspiration to all of us. Please pray for his wife and children
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) November 12, 2020
It was an honor & privilege to know & cover @CoachSchlarman
He was everything right with college football. Kind & generous with his time. His groups were a direct reflection of the man & coach he was. Just listen to his players describe him. He will be missed.#SchlarmanStrong
— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) November 12, 2020
The world lost a great man today and heaven just got one. Lord my heart is hurting for John family and our @UKFootball family. I asked you BBN keep John wife and children in prayer. God will get something out of this. https://t.co/I2cTkyTaaW
— CoachMarrowUK (@vincemarrow) November 12, 2020
I’m heartbroken by the news that John Schlarman has passed away.
He was the toughest man I ever met. He fought until the very end.
His story touched me like none I’ve ever told. Rest In Peace, John. https://t.co/I6cgEXsFBu pic.twitter.com/rJzmx07Psk
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) November 12, 2020
I’ve never met a more selfless person. This one hurts. Love you coach Schlarman❤️ https://t.co/mClLQbxqw1
— Brenden Bates (@BatesBrenden) November 12, 2020
He built Kentucky's offensive line into one of the most reliably excellent units in the SEC, sure. Read anything about him, though, and you'd grasp that John Schlarman was a wonderful human being.
This sucks. Cancer sucks. Love those you do as fully as you can. https://t.co/hkzeukEGTX
— Alligator Army (@AlligatorArmy) November 12, 2020
Will never forgot this photo of John Schlarman. This team LOVED that man. #BBN ? pic.twitter.com/UDj3za1pcY
— Alex Walker (@AlexWalkerTV) November 12, 2020
Terrible. RIP, @CoachSchlarman. https://t.co/LUkhsxhwFi
— Travis Reier (@travisreier) November 12, 2020
My heart is broken. You taught me so much about the game, but you taught me so much more about life, handling adversity and to always keep fighting. I’m glad the whole world got to see your story and how tough you truly are. Prayers to the Schlarman Family #SchlarmanStrong pic.twitter.com/CcahjdeMxM
— Max Godby (@OhMyGodby64) November 12, 2020
Clearly, he was beloved by all who came in contact with him. He will be missed.
