Sheldon Spencer
Sheldon Spencer
Michael Jeffrey Jordan and I were born about 366 days and 400 miles apart years ago in New York state. Each of us eventually moved to the Carolinas. Each failed to make the cut for a prep team once. Then our paths diverged somewhat. Perhaps you’re familiar with his story.
Here’s the short version on me: My love of journalism has taken me to sports writing jobs with the Tacoma News Tribune, The National Sports Daily, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, and San Jose Mercury News. I’ve enjoyed an 19-year run with ESPN, including four seasons on ESPN.com’s NFL desk.
I’ve had chances to interview the likes of Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Eva Longoria, Kevin Costner, Mike Tyson after a car chase (long story), Tom Brady, Ryan Leaf, boomerang throwers, one-armed demolition-derby drivers, and Rose Bowl trophy thieves. I hope to see a day when every issue of The National Sports Daily is readable on a tablet, the Lombardi Trophy returns to the Raiders trophy case, and Hollywood films a sequel to “The Long Kiss Goodnight.”
I’ve flown upside down at the speed of sound and stood at the foot of a bleeding volcano, experiences that might prove useful in this job.
Feel Good Friday: Kaylee Hartung
Feel Good Friday
September 4, 2020
Feel Good Friday: Kaylee Hartung
We can all use some feel-goods these days; Front Row will bring you all the feels, every Friday, through the…
No More Timeouts! 40 Years Ago Today, ESPN’S Endless Sports Marathon Began
ESPN History
September 1, 2020
No More Timeouts! 40 Years Ago Today, ESPN’S Endless Sports Marathon Began
On Sept. 1, 1980, nearly one-year-old ESPN officially announced it was providing around-the-clock sports coverage; enjoy the vintage promotions.
“DaDaDa, DaDaDa” Turns 30: SportsCenter’s Iconic Theme Song Debuted In November 1989
ESPN Music
November 22, 2019
“DaDaDa, DaDaDa” Turns 30: SportsCenter’s Iconic Theme Song Debuted In November 1989
Composer John Colby talks about his creation, once described as "ice cream truck music for adults," and issues a challenge…
How Did Disney+’s “The Mandalorian” Actress Gina Carano Learn That She Was First In Line For The Role Of Cara Dune?
Journalism
November 20, 2019
How Did Disney+’s “The Mandalorian” Actress Gina Carano Learn That She Was First In Line For The Role Of Cara Dune?
Reporter Chris Connelly explains how the ESPN interview with Gina Carano came about, thanks in part to ESPN MMA producer…
The Men They Call Yaz: HOFer Carl from ESPN in 1980; SF Giant Mike On ESPN+ Thursday
ESPN History
September 18, 2019
The Men They Call Yaz: HOFer Carl from ESPN in 1980; SF Giant Mike On ESPN+ Thursday
Rookie Mike Yastrzemski leads his SF Giants into Boston on ESPN+ at 1:05 p.m. ET tomorrow; his Fenway HR on…
“My reaction was like a high-pitched, high-speed underwater version of the Ray Lewis dance.”
ESPN The Magazine
August 28, 2019
“My reaction was like a high-pitched, high-speed underwater version of the Ray Lewis dance.”
ESPN The Magazine senior writer David Fleming shares his summer vacation adventure swimming with Indian Ocean sharks, "the second-craziest day…
3 Backcourt Backstories From ESPN CreativeWorks’ “The Grinch”/NBA player spots
NBA
October 30, 2018
3 Backcourt Backstories From ESPN CreativeWorks’ “The Grinch”/NBA player spots
He's a mean one, that Mr. Grinch. But why is he bothering Draymond, The Process and JR in a new…
Coaching with Chucky: David Shaw on working with Gruden
NCAAF
September 7, 2018
Coaching with Chucky: David Shaw on working with Gruden
Stanford's head coach fondly recalls working with the former ESPN MNF analyst, who returns to the Raiders sidelines Sept. 10…
“A perfect fit”: How ESPN chose a Lenny Kravitz rocker for its NFL Draft promos
ESPN Music
April 28, 2018
“A perfect fit”: How ESPN chose a Lenny Kravitz rocker for its NFL Draft promos
Can't get "Are You Gonna Go My Way" out of your head? Here's how ESPN selected that song to help…
#TBT: Nick Foles visits CFB Live in 2010
Watch This
January 25, 2018
#TBT: Nick Foles visits CFB Live in 2010
In July 2010, Philadelphia Eagles star Nick Foles was an emerging QB at Arizona when he visited ESPN's campus.
SportsCenter’s Arlen juggles ESPYS, X Games assignments
ESPN
July 11, 2017
SportsCenter’s Arlen juggles ESPYS, X Games assignments
SportsCenter's Victoria Arlen will work both the ESPYS and X Games Minneapolis events this week.
Marvel’s Luke Cage sends a message to Patriots TE Martellus Bennett
NFL
January 12, 2017
Marvel’s Luke Cage sends a message to Patriots TE Martellus Bennett
Martellus Bennett once called upon his "inner Luke Cage" to make a rapid recovery for the Patriots. Luke Cage is…
BTS of The Undefeated’s A Conversation With The President
Captured on Campus
October 14, 2016
BTS of The Undefeated’s A Conversation With The President
Stan Verrett (L) had not met President Obama “until five minutes before we went on stage,” he said. For three…
SportsCenter’s Verrett invested as host of A Conversation With The President
Behind The Scenes
October 11, 2016
SportsCenter’s Verrett invested as host of A Conversation With The President
SportsCenter anchor Stan Verrett relishes his role as host and moderator of The Undefeated Presents: A Conversation With The President,…
Creative Services team works to make The President feel at home on ESPN
Behind The Scenes
October 10, 2016
Creative Services team works to make The President feel at home on ESPN
How do you go about setting the on-air look for a televised forum with The President Of The United States?…