Cheerleading Pioneer and Conservative Media Mogul Jeff Webb Passes Away at 76
Jeff Webb, the influential cheerleading entrepreneur and conservative media figure known for mentoring the late far-right activist Charlie Kirk, has died. He was 76 years old.
Webb's death was confirmed on Friday through a video shared on social media by Varsity Spirit, the Memphis, Tennessee-based company he founded. A company spokesperson issued a statement to Cheer! Daily, saying: "Jeff played a pivotal role in shaping cheerleading as it exists today and in building a community that has impacted generations of athletes, coaches, and teams. 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."
Details Surrounding the Death
While specific details about the cause of death were initially limited, the International Cheer Union stated that Webb died "following complications after an accident." Varsity Spirit President Bill Seely later clarified that Webb had suffered a severe head injury while playing pickleball and was subsequently taken off life support.
Jeff Webb is survived by his wife, Gina Webb; his son, Jeffrey Webb; his daughter, Caroline Webb Mason; and two grandchildren.
A Legacy in Cheerleading and Conservative Media
A Texas native and former collegiate cheerleader at the University of Oklahoma, Webb founded both Varsity Spirit and the Universal Cheerleading Association in 1974 when he was just 24 years old. A 2024 New York Times Magazine feature credited him with pioneering the acrobatic style of modern cheerleading and helping bring cheerleading competitions to television audiences across the United States.
Beyond cheerleading, Webb was a significant figure in conservative media circles. He served as co-publisher and chairman of Human Events, a publication that billed itself as former President Ronald Reagan's favorite newspaper. In 2021, he published the book "American Restoration: How to Unshackle the Great Middle Class," and in 2022, he purchased the right-wing news outlet The Post Millennial.
Mentorship of Charlie Kirk and Tributes
Webb's media connections led him to become an early mentor to Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, who was fatally shot during an appearance at Utah Valley University in September 2025 at age 31. Following Kirk's death, Webb attended an October ceremony where President Donald Trump posthumously awarded Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
In an interview with Real America's Voice last year, Webb remarked that the United States had "lost a future president" in Kirk. He elaborated in a separate interview with One America News Network, noting Kirk's unique ability to connect with young conservatives. "He went into these campuses before there was really a conservative group for these young people who were conservative to relate to. They certainly didn't relate to the established Republican Party," Webb said. He praised Kirk's message and charisma for giving hope to his followers.
Turning Point USA paid tribute to Webb on social media platform X, describing him as "a visionary who helped shape generations of young leaders and believed deeply in the power of community and country. A dear friend to Turning Point USA and Charlie. He will be greatly missed."
The passing of Jeff Webb marks the end of an era for both the cheerleading world and conservative media, leaving behind a complex legacy intertwined with athletic innovation and political influence.
