Westport Writer Frank Deford to Be Honored by President Obama

Westport writer Frank Deford, revered as a pioneer in long-form sports journalism for his work with various publications including Sports llustrated, will be honored by President Barack Obama Wednesday with a 2012 National Humanities Medal.

The National Endowment for the Humanities stated the agency chose Deford, 74, "for transforming how we think about sports."

"A dedicated writer and storyteller, Mr. Deford has offered a consistent, compelling voice in print and on radio, reaching beyond scores and statistics to reveal the humanity woven into the games we love," according to a statement from the agency.

Read the National Endowment for the Humanities' profile on Deford here.

Deford's 50-year tenure with Sports Illustrated is complemented by appearances on National Public Radio and work as a senior correspondent for HBO's "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel." He is a six-time winner of the U.S. Sportswriter of the Year award. In addition to his sports journalism, Deford has written 18 books -- including nine novels -- and screenplays.

U.S. Rep. Jim Himes congratulated Deford in a statement released Tuesday.

“Frank Deford is a thoughtful and gifted analyst of modern American life. His commentary sets an important example -- it challenges us to think differently about something we think we already understand,” said Himes. “Congratulations and best wishes to Mr. Deford. I look forward to continuing to enjoy his work.”

Eleven others will join Deford Wednesday as recipients of the National Humanities Medals. Authors Joan Didion and Marilynne Robinson; actress and playwright Anna Deavere Smith, political scientist Robert D. Putnam; historians Edward L. Ayers and Natalie Zemon Davis; photographer Camilo José Vergara; poet Kay Ryan; editor Robert B. Silvers; and academic leaders William G. Bowen and Jill Ker Conway will also be honored.

The National Humanities Medal is awarded to individuals or groups whose work has deepened the nation’s understanding of the humanities, broadened engagement with the humanities, or helped preserve and expand access to important resources in the humanities, according to the agency.

Watch the ceremony, which begins at 2 p.m., here.