Jeff Webb, who became a force in conservative politics after pioneering efforts within the cheerleading world, has died at age 76.
Webb died on Thursday, March 19, after falling and sustaining a traumatic head injury while playing pickleball two weeks prior, based on Cheer Every day. He was hospitalized together with his injuries before his family made the choice to take him off life support.
Webb founded Varsity Spirit in 1974, widely thought to be probably the most influential brand in modern cheerleading. The corporate’s efforts included competitions and training camps, along with apparel and various media ventures.
Varsity Spirit confirmed Webb’s death in a press release on Friday, March 20.
“Jeff played a pivotal role in shaping cheerleading because it exists today and in constructing a community that has impacted generations of athletes, coaches, and teams,” the statement read. “In recent times, his contributions helped grow the game each in america and globally, including his work with the International Cheer Union, which achieved full recognition by the International Olympic Committee in 2021.”
The statement continued, “We extend our condolences to Jeff’s family and family members, and to the numerous across the spirit community who were influenced by his work.”
Turning Point USA, the conservative political organization founded by the late Charlie Kirk, also honored Webb after his death.
“A visionary who helped shape generations of young leaders and believed deeply in the facility of community and country,” the organization said of Webb. “A pricey friend to Turning Point USA and Charlie. He might be greatly missed.”
Webb stood with Kirk’s family on the White House when the late political commentator was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in October 2025.
Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah in September 2025. He was 31 years old.
Shortly after Kirk’s death, Webb told Real America’s Voice that “we probably lost a future president.”
“Once I first met Charlie he was 24, before he was the Charlie Kirk,” Webb said. “He was already on the market, he had Turning Point going. He was starting conferences. He was really still developing the strategy. I met him through a friend at dinner in Atlanta, and like so many individuals will say about him, we just hit it off.”
Webb continued, “He had every little thing. He had an incredible amount of charisma. He had an excellent humorousness. He was fun to be around.”
In January 2021, Webb announced his latest role as co-publisher and senior news editor at Human Events, a conservative news outlet.