The Vaughn McClure & Jeff Dickerson Foundation

To honor the memories of Vaughn McClure & Jeff Dickerson by supporting the people and causes that were close to their hearts.

Donate Now

Donations will be distributed to causes Vaughn and Jeff cared about, including research on heart disease, mental illness, cancer, and lupus. We will also start a journalism scholarship for a diversity candidate at Vaughn’s alma mater, Northern Illinois University as well as a scholarship at Jeff’s alma mater, Buffalo Grove High School.

Vaughn McClure

‘A prince of a man’ whose generosity and positivity we aim to pay forward through the efforts of the foundation

Learn More

Jeff Dickerson

Beloved reporter and respected figure in the Chicago sports landscape who we honor through the work of this foundation

Learn More

The Vaughn McClure & Jeff Dickerson Foundation Benefit

4th Annual Benefit Auction + Fundraiser

Stay tuned for more information about the 4th Annual Benefit Auction + Fundraiser that will be taking place sometime in 2024.

Please consider donating to the cause in the meantime at the link below.

Donate Now

Partners

Shocked and saddened by the passing of Vaughn McClure. He was a staple of the Atlanta media for the better part of the last decade and I always appreciated his professionalism and humanity. His back-and-forth banter in all things basketball was a welcome change of pace during open locker rooms. Rest In Peace! You will be missed.

Matt RyanAtlanta Falcons

Jeff was a top guy. The absolute best. Every interaction with him made you feel better than before it began. He was relentlessly positive—like, to the point you could mistake him for a phony if you didn’t realize that his light simply shined that brightly.

Rich Campbell670 The Score

So incredibly sad to lose this dear and close friend, my Chicago running buddy, a total pro of a reporter and a prince of a man, Vaughn McClure.

Mike WilbonPardon the Interruption, ESPN & ABC

Today I was very saddened to hear about the passing of my dear friend Vaughn McClure. We became fast friends when he was covering the Bears. He had a big heart and was one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. You will be missed

Brian UrlacherChicago Bears Hall of Fame Linebacker

Life is too unfair at times. There’s not many people I enjoyed debating NBA with or being my tour guide in your hometown of Chicago in the summer. Gone way too soon. Love ya like a brother!

Mike WellsESPN

We are saddened to learn of the passing of ESPN's Vaughn McClure. He was an earnest, thoughtful reporter who had a passion for his craft and the relationships he held. He will be missed dearly and we are holding his family, friends and associates in our thoughts and prayers.

The Atlanta FalconsOrganization

I’m really lost for words right now. Just saw my bro Vaughn McClure has passed away. I just talked to him a few weeks ago on my ride home from work. Dang man! We lost a good one. My condolences go out to his family.

Jarrett PaytonWGN-TV

For ESPN Radio, you audition on another show. My audition was with Jeff Dickerson/Hood. Dickerson treated me like an equal and made me shine. He could have ignored me. Instead, Jeff Dickerson made room for me and ESPN radio gave me a shot. And that changed my life. RIP, brother.

Myron MedcalfESPN

Such a sad day. As we've commiserated, many of us have recalled how recently we talked to Vaughn McClure. He preferred calls over texts. There isn't another colleague I've spoken more with this year. To use his favorite tag: Buddy, we will hold you in our hearts forever.

Kevin SeifertESPN

Shedding a tear & saddened from hearing about the passing of my friend. The last
year & a half we became closer and constantly talked about FOOTBALL, the MEDIA life, & even broke down FILM..He was so dedicated to his craft & willing to learn more about the game.

Harry DouglasAnalyst & NFL Veteran

Always the consummate professional, JD took a great deal of pride in his coverage of the Bears for 20 years. He was a true professional and even better person. JD always was one of the first media members to arrive in the press box on gameday, with a hello and a smile that could brighten anyone's day. He was one of a kind, and will truly be missed.

Chicago Bears

Vaughn was one of my favorite people in this business. Every time I went to Atlanta, I always looked forward to seeing him. What a tremendous loss.

Robert MaysThe Athletic Football Show/The Athletic NFL

Amazes me just how many people Vaughn McClure helped, with no expectation of anything in return. He was constantly giving away stories that he had scoops on to his teammates, always putting a good word in with coaches and players to help others along.

Jenna LaineESPN

Vaughn McClure was one of our favorite people to have on ‘Chicago Tribune Live/Sports Talk Live.’ He was always so much fun. Man, I can’t believe he is gone. May God bless you forever my friend.

David KaplanChicago Tribune Live

From South Bend through Chicago till our last conversation Tuesday, Vaughn McClure was uncommonly considerate, effortlessly charismatic and one of my best friends. He’d be so proud to see the outpouring. And then he’d ask how to improve his writing. RIP, buddy. You’ll be missed.

David HaughChicago Sports Radio 670 The Score

Vaughn had a heart of gold. He was so helpful to our reporters – we’ve heard how he helped them with a story or how he put in a good word for them with a coach or player. Talking to Vaughn was always a joy – I loved how you could just sense the excitement in his voice for being able to cover the Falcons for ESPN. We will all miss him greatly. I’ll end this the way Vaughn ended every call with a colleague: ‘Appreciate you. Love you.’ We all loved him, too.

John PluymESPN

Vaughn McClure was a close friend for 15 years. We spoke on the phone every week. To say that everyone close to Vaughn is devastated would be an understatement. Vaughn was an amazing friend and colleague. He was always there for my family during difficult times. A true friend.

Michael C. WrightNBA.com

Vaughn McClure had a great gift of being able to connect with people. That’s why so many of us are hurting today. When you were friends with Vaughn though, you were friends forever.

Dan PompeiThe Athletic

Terribly saddened by the passing of former colleague and good friend Vaughn McClure. He had an incredible gift for getting people to open up to him and was a delight to be around. Rest in peace, Vaughn.

Brad BiggsChicago Tribune