Former ESPN anchor Jay Crawford met with professor John McMurray and his Working in Sports Media class on Monday, Jan. 13 to discuss the business of sports media and journalism. 

Crawford was born in Sandusky, Ohio, and is still a Cleveland sports fan. While he was a student at Bowling Green State University, he studied radio, TV and film. He later graduated with a bachelor’s degree and his career took off soon after.

Beginning at a small, local Kentucky television station, Crawford became the Sports Director at WFTS-TV in Tampa, Florida, and won numerous awards for his work. Crawford has been working as an anchor and journalist, most notably, at ESPN. 

Crawford joined the sports broadcasting empire in 2003 and launched his ever-so-popular show “Cold Pizza,” which would later turn into is “First Take.” 

He then went on to host the midday SportsCenter program until 2017. Crawford is now a part of Cleveland’s WKYC Channel 3 television station as an evening show anchor. 

While visiting the Working in Sports Media class, he talked to the students about his career in the sports media industry and his rough upbringing. He also answered questions the students asked. 

Crawford told a student in that class afterward some crucial advice. He said, “Work hard, network, and know the business that you are working for.” 

Crawford expressed his joy in visiting the campus, saying, “I always appreciate the opportunity to speak with students interested in hearing about my experience.” 

He followed up with, “The class has a good working knowledge already on the present day sports media landscape.”

Editor’s Note: This story was written by Zachary Horvath ‘22, a member of the Russert Department of Communication’s Working in Sports Media Class.