The School of Journalism and New Media recently hosted All Things Sports, a dynamic luncheon and panel event spotlighting careers in sports and media. The panel featured Steven Godfrey, Nate Scott, Brian Floyd, and Ryan Nanni — industry professionals from Yahoo Sports, Gannett, USA Today, and Vox Media — who shared how their career paths evolved from early blogging days to becoming leading voices in sports storytelling.
Panelists discussed how many of them got their start writing for TV and film blogs, eventually stumbling into sports coverage through online communities and comment sections. What began as hobby writing quickly became professional storytelling — proof that in media, getting people to read your work is crucial. They emphasized the importance of developing social strategies, adapting to new platforms, and picking up new skills through every internship or company experience.
Throughout the conversation, the speakers reminded students that everything is connected to sports — and that great writing can come from anywhere. “You can tell any story in the world through sports,” one panelist noted, explaining how the field blends creativity, emotion, and cultural relevance. Whether covering the aftermath of a major game like LSU in 2003 or starting a podcast like Who Killed College Football?, each project reflects the idea that sports writing is about context, character, and connection.
They also shared practical career advice, stressing that building relationships and maintaining sources are essential for credibility. “Getting sourced is key,” one expert explained — from talking to coaches at small schools to developing trust with emerging athletes, every conversation can lead to a future story.
The panel closed with encouragement for students to seek out collaborations and creative communities wherever they go. Whether through blogs, podcasts, or local reporting, the speakers emphasized that sports media is about people first — and success often comes from finding the common creative that connects us all.
