ESPN Sports Betting Analyst Anita Marks wears her picks on her sleeves
ESPN BET Live expert explains why she wears likenesses of sports' biggest stars - and sometimes, emerging ones - on distinctive T-shirts on ESPN2 show
Providing sports betting analysis and picks is part of the job for ESPN Sports Betting Analyst Anita Marks.
On ESPN’s sports betting show ESPN BET Live (weekday afternoons, ESPN2, check listings), where she and the rest of the regular on-air betting team (Tyler Fulghum, Erin Dolan, Joe Fortenbaugh) share commentary about data around sports, and what it all means for fans who place bets.
Marks’ passion for sports betting is on display during shows, and she wears that passion on her sleeve. However, she wears her picks, too. Literally.
Along with her analysis, Marks has become known for wearing T-shirts with athletes represented on them across many pro sports.
Heading into the NFL’s Super Wild Card Weekend, which includes the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Monday, Jan. 15, 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN, ABC, ESPN+), Marks explains how her unique pick display came to be, how many player shirts she has, and where she finds room to store them all.
How did you get started with this t-shirt idea?
I began wearing the shirts on Daily Wager [now ESPN BET Live]and received fun feedback from our viewers, who said they enjoy tuning in to see which player shirt will be worn.
How many shirts do you own?
Too many to count, but I’d guess over 500. I had to purchase a special dresser to hold them all. The shirts are organized by league and position, so I know where everyone is.
Do you have a favorite shirt?
I can’t say I have a favorite because they’re all so fun. However, I love when I can wear a shirt of a player who isn’t as mainstream but someone I believe will perform well that night. Some recent examples include Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua and Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride.
Anita Marks sports a T-shirt with the likeness of Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes. (Anita Marks/ESPN)
Marks estimates she has more than 500 T-shirts sporting athletes' likenesses in her collection. (Anita Marks/ESPN)
ESPN Bet Live viewers are curious about her T-shirt choices. (Anita Marks/ESPN)
