WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) today congratulated Frank Deford of Westport on receiving the National Humanities Medal for “transforming how the world thinks about sports.” Deford has written for Sports Illustrated for 50 years, has penned 18 books, and is a senior correspondent for “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” on HBO. He will receive the award, given by the National Endowment for the Humanities, at a ceremony Wednesday in Washington hosted by President Obama.

“Frank Deford is a thoughtful and gifted analyst of modern American life. His commentary sets an important example—it challenges us to think differently about something we think we already understand,” said Himes. “Congratulations and best wishes to Mr. Deford. I look forward to continuing to enjoy his work.”

The National Humanities Medal is awarded to individuals or groups whose work has deepened the nation’s understanding of the humanities, broadened engagement with the humanities, or helped preserve and expand access to important resources in the humanities. Deford is one of just 145 individuals who have received the honor since it was inaugurated in 1997.