The man widely regarded as the father of modern competitive cheerleading has died after sustaining a severe head injury from a fall while playing pickleball, according to reports. Jeff Webb, the founder of Varsity Spirit, passed away at the age of 76, with his death confirmed by the organisation in an emotional tribute.
Varsity Spirit Confirms Passing of Founder
Varsity Spirit, the largest cheer organisation in the United States, announced Webb's death in an Instagram post, stating: "Join us in honoring the life and legacy of Jeff Webb, founder of Varsity Spirit and modern cheerleading. His impact has built a community that will continue to inspire generations to come." Bill Seely, the president of Varsity Spirit, confirmed in an email obtained by Cheer Daily that Webb had suffered a severe head injury from the fall during the pickleball game.
Details of the Accident and Hospitalisation
According to the email, Webb was hospitalised with severe head trauma following the accident. His family eventually made the difficult decision to remove him from life support, as reported by Cheer Daily. A spokesperson for Varsity Brands, a sportswear company he also founded, told The Independent that the company was "saddened" by Webb's death, highlighting his pivotal role in shaping cheerleading as it exists today.
Webb's Monumental Impact on Cheerleading
Jeff Webb's contributions to cheerleading were profound and far-reaching. A former yell leader for the University of Oklahoma's cheer squad, he worked for the National Cheerleaders Association before founding the Universal Cheerleaders Association in 1974, which later became part of Varsity Spirit. Webb was instrumental in bringing cheerleading competitions to television screens across the United States and pushed for routines to feature more acrobatic and athletic activities.
As president of the International Cheer Union, Webb played a key role in making cheerleading a global sport, with events broadcast on ESPN. His efforts helped achieve full recognition of cheerleading by the International Olympic Committee in 2021, although the sport did not make the official list for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The Varsity Brands spokesperson noted: "In recent years, his contributions helped grow the sport both in the United States and globally."
Political Activism and Media Ventures
Beyond cheerleading, Webb was a conservative political activist and considered a mentor to Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA. Following Kirk's assassination, Webb spoke multiple times about Kirk's impact. Webb also served as co-publisher and senior news editor of the right-wing news site Human Events and bought another right-wing site, The Post Millennial, in 2022. He sold both titles to Trump-loyalist John Solomon's Just the News in 2025.
In a statement, John Solomon said: "Jeff was a brilliant businessman and entrepreneur and a joyful warrior who made everyone around him better. 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."
Legacy and Condolences
The spokesperson for Varsity Brands extended condolences, stating: "We extend our condolences to Jeff's family and loved ones, and to the many across the spirit community who were influenced by his work." Webb's legacy in transforming cheerleading from a sideline activity into a recognised international sport continues to resonate, with Varsity Spirit emphasising that his community-building efforts will inspire future generations.
