PITTSBURGH — Beano Cook, the college football commentator with an encyclopedic knowledge of the sport he dearly loved, has died.

The 81-year-old Boston native had worked for ESPN since 1986 and was the sports information director at his alma mater, the University of Pittsburgh, from 1956 to 1966. The school announced Thursday that Cook had died in his sleep.

Cook was a diabetic and his health had been failing recently, as he made mention in his most recent blog post at www.bean-cook.com.

"Sorry to say that health issues hit me at the worst time — start of College Football Season," he wrote in a post dated Oct. 1. "Everything except recovery takes a back-burner now. I won't say I'll be back to the blog by a certain date, as some businesses might "promise," but I do hope to return soon. Thanks for your support and encouragement. Enjoy the season! — Beano"

Born Carroll H. Cook, he grew up in Pittsburgh before graduating from the university in 1954, and was known for his love of the college game and, in particular, championing the cause of northeastern teams including Penn State and Pitt before either school was a nationally known power.

"Beano Cook was an American original. His passion, depth and breadth of knowledge, and humor were unique," ESPN host Chris Fowler said. "He was an invaluable early mentor to me and friend. His imprint can still be seen on GameDay each week."

Cook, like many in the business, fell in love with simply being around the competition. With a career that took him so many places, it was hard not to get wrapped up in it.

"Getting to know the athletes really provided me with my fondest memories," Cook once said. "That was the most fun."

He said his favorites from his time working at Pitt were Mike Ditka, who went on to become a Pro Football Hall of Famer, and basketball star Don Hennon.

"He was special," Ditka said in a statement. "We became really good friends the years I was in school at Pitt. I don't know that anybody loved that job and loved Pitt more than he did."

His wealth of knowledge about college football and memory for details made him an irresistible storyteller, as well a passionate pundit.

He wasn't always right, but he wasn't afraid to make bold pronouncements, such as when he predicted Notre Dame freshman quarterback Ron Powlus would win at least two Heisman trophies. Powlus never even won one, but Cook's prediction made him famous forever.

In recent years he was a frequent contributor on ESPN Radio and did a weekly podcast with ESPN college football writer Ivan Maisel.

"He was one of a kind," ESPN executive chairman George Bodenheimer said. "There never was and never will be another Beano. His combination of humor, passion, love of college football and his engaging personality left an indelible mark on the sport and touched anyone who knew him."

He was an unapologetic defender of college football, while recognizing its warts, and wasn't shy about touting its superiority to the pro game.

"On Sundays they play for money," he once said. "On Saturdays they play for passion, for the love of the game. I think that's why it's our greatest sport."

Cook was ABC Sports' press director for the NCAA after leaving the SID job at Pitt, and later worked in as a writer or media representative for the St. Petersburg Times, Miami Dolphins, the Mutual Radio Network, and CBS before joining ESPN.

"Beano was a unique human being and he was college football at ESPN. I am indebted to him. Beano was a tremendous help at the start of my television career and I would not be where I am today without him," ESPN analyst Lee Corso said. "I am forever grateful to Beano and the time we spent behind the GameDay desk."

Cook received his distinctive nickname as a youth, when his family moved from Boston to Pittsburgh. A neighbor of the Cook family said, "Oh, from Boston, like the beans" and tabbed the 7-year-old "Beano."

Cook is fondly remembered at Pitt, where the media room in the Petersen Events Center is named after him.

"Beano left a legacy never to be matched. Not matched in accomplishment, wit or loyalty," Pitt athletic director Steve Pederson said. "Like so many others, it has been my privilege to be the beneficiary of Beano's counsel and friendship. He loved the University of Pittsburgh and his name is synonymous with all good things at Pitt.

"We all feel a tremendous void in our lives today."

Many in and around college football concurred Thursday.

"It's a sad day for college football," Penn State coach Bill O'Brien said. "Especially in the state of Pennsylvania, where he was an icon."