The Detroit sports radio community recently mourned the loss of the producer of 'The Valenti Show with Rico,' Kenny Kott.
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Add BollywoodShaadis on GoogleAfter giving rapid commentary and important sports insights for years, Kenny Kott has passed away. He was best known for being the longtime producer of The Valenti Show with Rico on 97.1 The Ticket, Kenny died at the age of 32 after spending weeks in the hospital. For those unaware, the station described that he suffered a "medical event" a few weeks before his untimely death. In turn, several colleagues and listeners of Kenny's show have extended their tributes to him.
97.1 The Ticket confirmed Kenny Knott's death in a social media post. They confirmed that he was hospitalised after he suffered a medical event in June 2026. However, they did not reveal the nature of the medical emergency. In fact, they did not even give any update or further details about his condition. Until now, neither his family nor the station has shared his exact cause of death.
An announcement was also made during The Valenti Show with Rico by host Mike Valenti. He paid an emotional tribute to his longtime colleague. At the same time, Mike also mentioned that Kenny's condition had worsened over the past few weeks before he died on June 28, 2026. The host called him a valuable member of the station's close knit team. He also mentioned how everyone associated with the show was devastated by the loss.
Mike mentioned how Kenny was a part of the station's "dysfunctional family". In fact, he also recalled their conversations in which Kenny often talked about his career ambitions. He also mentioned that Kenny once told him how it was tragic to be a part of a radio show. In turn, Kenny achieved that goal by becoming the producer of Detroit's most popular sports radio programs. Yet he could not live it for long.
After suffering a medical event in the early days of June 2026, Kenny was hospitalised and being treated for his health complications. But, despite multiple efforts to ensure his recovery, his health continued to decline in the following weeks. In turn, his former colleague and fellow 97.1 The Ticket host, Jeff Riger, called him "a natural at radio." He also mentioned how it was unfair to lose someone so young.
Social media users have recalled Kenny's humour, dedication and regular on-air appearances. Many fans also mentioned that they always looked forward to hearing his hockey insights and internal interactions with Mike Valenti and Rico Beard. In Mike's words:
"I would always bust his chops, like, 'Man, what do you want out of life? What is it you want, so I can help deliver this? And he would always say, 'No, I just always wanted to be part of a radio show.' And I'd say, 'OK, well, you did that, and you're part of the best one. So what's next?"
Kenny Kott had recently tied the knot with his wife in the summer of 2025. However, he did not reveal her identity to respect her privacy. In fact, the station has also been silent about it. Meanwhile, during his announcement, Mile revealed that he spoke to Kenny's wife after his death. He revealed that he had told her he had always pushed Kenny because he believed in him, even when the 32-year-old doubted himself.
Kenny Knott built his career at 97.1 The Ticket after joining the station in the early 2010s. He was promoted to join the station in the early 2010s and became a board operator in 2017. Eventually, he became the lead producer for The Valenti Show with Rico. At the same time, he used to have frequent on-air discussions, especially about hockey.
Kenny was known for his deep knowledge of the NHL and his loyalty towards the Detroit Red Wings. Listeners admired his quick wit and authentic personality, which made him a familiar voice behind one of the city's most popular radio shows.
Although questions remain about the medical event that led to his hospitalisation, Kenny Knott's impact on Detroit sports radio is remembered through the heartfelt tributes from those who worked with him and the loyal listeners who followed his career.
Rest in peace, Kenny Knott. We share our heartfelt condolences with his family in this difficult time.
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