Jeff Webb, the Tennessee entrepreneur widely credited with transforming competitive cheerleading into a global industry and a prominent conservative media figure, has died at the age of 76 following injuries sustained in an accident.
Webb passed away on Thursday, March 19, after suffering a severe head injury from a fall while playing pickleball two weeks earlier. He had been hospitalized before his family made the decision to remove him from life support.
Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Webb was best known as the founder of Varsity Spirit and a driving force behind the modern structure of competitive cheerleading. Through his leadership, the organization grew into a global enterprise encompassing camps, competitions, apparel, and media, ultimately becoming part of Varsity Brands.
In a tribute video posted to social media, Webb’s company said his “impact has built a community that will continue to inspire generations to come.”
Webb, who was a former cheerleader at the University of Oklahoma, began his career working with the National Cheerleaders Association before launching his own ventures.
His innovations, such as the introduction of complex stunts, tumbling, and music-driven routines, helped elevate cheerleading from sideline entertainment into a year-round competitive sport practiced by millions worldwide.
Webb also played a central role in the global recognition of cheerleading. As founder and president of the International Cheer Union, he helped organize national federations and advocate for the sport’s legitimacy, culminating in recognition by the International Olympic Committee in 2021.
Outside of cheerleading, Webb also emerged as a prominent conservative voice. He served as executive news director and co-publisher of Human Events and was affiliated with Turning Point USA as a speaker. His 2020 book, American Restoration: How to Free the Great Middle Class, outlined his views on economic policy, faith, and American values.
Webb announced last fall he was selling the conservative news sites Human Events and The Post Millennial to the parent company of Just the News.
John Solomon, the founder and CEO of Just the News, said Thursday night that Webb was working with the company to help build a new events business.
“Jeff was a brilliant businessman and entrepreneur and a joyful warrior who made everyone around him better,” Solomon said. “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.
The Tennessee Star’s CEO and Editor-in-Chief Michael Patrick Leahy also remembered Webb as both an innovator and a patriot.
“I worked with Jeff Webb on several projects. He was an inspirational leader who loved America and was passionate about bringing that spirit of patriotism to young people around the country in elementary schools, junior high schools, high schools and colleges,” Leahy said.
“He built his business in Memphis, and was a proud Tennessean. No one better demonstrated the Volunteer Spirit of our state than Jeff. Everyone who knew him mourns his passing,” Leahy added.
Turning Point Action COO Tyler Bowyer added, “America lost a giant of a man today in Jeff Webb. He has been a board member of Turning Point PAC and an undisputed legend in American athletics. He will be sorely missed by all of us here at [Turning Point Action / Turning Point USA].”
Webb, a father of two, was also known for his philanthropic efforts, including longtime support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and involvement with Special Olympics.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Editor’s note: This report was updated to reflect that Jeff Webb was born and raised in Dallas, Texas.
