BOSTON -- The sports-world has lost a popular and well-known Boston Globe columnist. Will McDonough passed away at his Hingham, Mass., home late Thursday night while watching ESPN's "Sports Center."

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McDonough Dies At 67 McDonough's Death Shocks Colleagues Globe's Statement On McDonough's Death William Bulger's Comments On McDonough's Death Post A Tribute To Will McDonough Will McDonough Born: July 6, 1935 Childhood: Youngest of nine children. Grew up in South Boston. Family: One of McDonough's son, Sean, is a national sports commentator and play-by-play announcer. Another son, Terry, is a scout for the Baltimore Ravens and has been in the NFL for 13 years. Work: Started at Globe as an intern through a Northeastern University program. Wrote about the NFL for more than 30 years. Covered every Super Bowl game.

NewsCenter 5's Ed Harding said that McDonough retired two years ago from the Globe after writing for the paper for more than 40 years. But the 67-year-old may be best-known for his coverage of the National Football League.

McDonough started at the Globe through the intern program at Northeastern University. He often called it the luckiest break he ever got in his life.

McDonough's greatness was not in the words he chose for columns, but the news value within them and their tone, Harding said.

Frequently, he stirred the pot of controversy -- angering the best known and highest paid athletes in Boston.

He called Roger Clemens the Texas Con Man in 1997.

"I don't know what is up with your boy McDonough. He is angry that guy," Clemens said after the comment.

In 1979, after being shoved by New England Patriots defensive back Raymond Clayborn, McDonough threw a punch at him.

"Any guy pushes me to the point that something is going to happen, then it's just unfortunate for him that he did," McDonough said after the incident.

Early in his career at the Globe, McDonough was a beat writer who covered the Boston Red Sox and the Boston Celtics. But, he made his name covering pro football and every Super Bowl ever played.

Along with the Globe, he worked for CBS and NBC. He won an Emmy while working with Bob Costas and O.J. Simpson. He retired from the Globe two years ago, but continued to write a weekly column, and continued to freely, openly, share his opinion.

Friends, Colleagues React To McDonough's Death

Reaction to Will McDonough's death is pouring in from friends and colleagues who remember the great sports writer.

Late Friday morning, the Boston Globe issued a statement.

"Will was a defining force in sports journalism as well as a dear friend and cherished colleague to so many here at the paper," Globe Editor Martin Baron said.

"Will was scheduled to be here today," WTTK broadcaster Mike Barnicle said.

McDonough suffered a mild heart attack a week ago while appearing on Barnicle's show.

"A stunner is to put it mildly. I spoke to Willie last night at about 6:45 p.m. I'd seen him Wednesday afternoon at HealthPoint in Waltham -- the Celtics' place. Stunned is to put it mildly," Barnicle said.

"There is nothing else you can say about Will McDonough. He was a legend in our business. He was nationally known for his football writing and his football commentary on the networks. Locally, he touched every aspect of this community. He was one of the great sports news men of all times," Globe columnist Dan Shaughnessy said.

"I used to tell people that playing golf with Willie was like playing with your father -- cranky, opinionated, stern, funny, loving, warm -- a whole kaleidoscope of emotions. You know, you'd always be on your best behavior with Willie. He was a very moral guy. He had great character," Barnicle said. "There is no one that can replace him at the Globe. Having known Willie for 30 years, I can tell you that there is no one that can replace him in life."

McDonough was a boyhood friend of UMass President William Bulger.

They grew up together in South Boston and remained close friends through the years. McDonough served as campaign manager when Bugler won his first election to the Massachusetts House in 1960.

"He was loyal to me in the good times and the tough times," Bulger said. "You find that people are intimidated by the prospect of criticism for holding a point of view. Never, never was that the case in my experience with Will McDonough. He lives courageously," Bulger said.

McDonough will be remembered journalistically for always speaking or writing his mind and for the invaluable contacts and relationships he had, none bigger or better than Red Auerbach, who became a close friend with McDonough over the past 40 years.

NewsCenter 5's Mike Dowling spoke to Auerbach Friday, and he was shocked by the news of McDonough's passing.

"I talked to him last night at 5:30 p.m. That the strange part of the whole bit," Auerbach said.

McDonough's relationship with Auerbach became a strong friendship and a partnership when McDonough helped Auerbach begin his foundation.

"If you didn't like him, you admired him. He was a tough guy. You can't be successful without having some people who disagree with you. But whether you did or not, you couldn't help but admire him. The thing about Will was that he was afraid of nobody," Auerbach said.