- Jul 1 Alexis Argüello, Nicaraguan boxer (3-weight world champion), dies of self inflicted gun wound at 57
- Jul 4 Khan Mohammad, Pakistani cricket fast bowler (13 Tests, 54 wickets; Pakistan's first ball and wicket in Test cricket), dies of prostate cancer at 81
- Jul 4 Steve McNair, American NFL quarterback (Houston Oilers, Titans), dies of gunshot woulds at 36
- Jul 5 Lou Creekmur, American football player (Detroit Lions) and hall of famer, dies at 82
- Jul 11 Arturo Gatti, Italian-Canadian professional boxer (b. 1972)
- Jul 25 Vernon Forrest, Professional boxer, 2-division world champion (b. 1971)
- Jul 28 Jim Johnson, American NFL Assistant Coach, Eagles Defensive Coordinator from 1999-2009 (b.1941)
- Jul 31 Sir Bobby Robson, English soccer forward, coach (20 caps; England manager 1982-90), dies of lung cancer at 76