Off Screen

Off Camera with. . . Will Reeve

Will Reeve (Kohjiro Kinno/ESPN Images)
Will Reeve (Kohjiro Kinno/ESPN Images)

EDITOR’S NOTE: Welcome to “Off Camera with. . .,” a Front Row series that introduces you to some of the studio anchors who have recently joined ESPN. Today we meet Will Reeve, who joined ESPN toward the end of 2014 as a SportsCenter contributor and to ESPN across all platforms, focusing on stories that highlight the humanity in sports.

I grew up with ESPN as a third parent in the house.
– Will Reeve

How did you choose your profession?
I grew up with ESPN as a third parent in the house. As a little kid, I always dreamed of getting to talk about sports because that’s all I did anyway. Sports was my obsession. I learned to read by reading the box scores of The New York Times and my interest exploded from there.

As I grew up, I realized that I had a passion and a knack for writing. I started considering professions that would combine writing, sports and talking (my third passion/talent). Sports broadcasting was the obvious answer. ESPN was obviously the place to be. I then focused on doing whatever I could to reconcile those considerations. Through a combination of factors, timing and luck primary among them, here I am.

…Standing in the Zamboni entrance at MSG as Wayne Gretzky made his final lap around the ice after his last game ever, in April 1999, was something I will never forget.
– Reeve

What is your favorite sports team or sports moment?
I’m a diehard New York Rangers fan. Being in the building when we (yes, we) won Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals over the Montreal Canadiens in 2014, sending us to our first Stanley Cup in 20 years was one of the most profoundly awesome moments of my life. Also, standing in the Zamboni entrance at MSG as Wayne Gretzky made his final lap around the ice after his last game ever, in April 1999, was something I will never forget.

What’s your favorite quote?
“When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. That’s my religion.” – Abraham Lincoln.

It is often attributed to Lincoln, but debate remains on whether it was originally his or if he borrowed it from someone.

Best advice you ever received?
“You have to give more than you take.”

Who is your favorite mentor?
Gerry Matalon and my maternal grandfather, Dr. Charles Morosini.

What is one book everyone should read?
“The Great Gatsby.” My grandfather and I re-read it every two years. There is always something new to take away from it. It’s a masterclass in creative writing.

What is your favorite place to travel?
Africa. I’ve been on two safaris and want to go on many, many more.

Do you have any hidden talents?
I’m an excellent whistler.

What’s your all-time favorite movie?
Three-way tie between “The Shawshank Redemption,” “Forrest Gump” and “The Lion King.” All three came out in 1994, coincidentally. Nice year for movies.

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