Hopefully, this isn’t obvious, but the truth is I never intended to be a sports writer. Becoming one was not a goal of mine until after I’d actually become one.
The short version: I’ve loved journalism since high school. I did the whole school paper thing at American Senior High. Then I majored in it at the University of Miami. I figured I’d become a features writer who told stories, possibly a foreign correspondent or maybe even cover the White House someday. Consequential stuff.
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But, as fate would have it, my first opportunity for a newspaper byline happened to come in the sports section. I dictated that five-paragraph high school football game story for The Miami Herald from a pay phone in Homestead, Florida. Before I knew it, I was hooked. And I’m still at it today, more than 20 years later. I’ve covered the fast pace of the NFL, with its never-ending cascade of roster moves and injury news, since 2005. It never stops. But I love it anyway — no matter how many times it interrupts dinner or wakes me from a nap.
Still, part of me never fully moved on from my earlier, more romantic, view of journalism. When it comes to the five W’s, I’ve always been less interested in the who, what, where and when than the why. I want context. I thrive on context. It’s what I strive for in my coverage of the Indianapolis Colts every single day. And it’s what I hope to continue giving you now that I’ve joined The Athletic.
You’re not going to read about many sprained ankles in my coverage. And you’re not going to read any play by play of last night’s game. But you are going to go inside the locker room. You’re going to learn why the Colts do the things they do and why things are the way they are. You’re going to learn a lot, I hope. I’m going to cover the team for fans who seek a deeper understanding. I’m going to cover the team for fans like, well, me.
I’m not making this move because I’ve given up on newspapers. Quite the contrary. My five years at the Indianapolis Star were amazing. I still believe deeply in the mission of journalism, whether at a newspaper or a place like this. I’m joining The Athletic purely because it’s a unique opportunity. Newspapers cover stories from the broadest possible perspective. The goal is to serve both the casual fan as well as the most ardent follower of the team. That can be a difficult balance. At The Athletic, no such hindrances exist. If you’re subscribing, you’re a serious fan. You want more. You want high-level coverage that goes beyond what your co-worker babbles about in the break room.
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That’s what I aim to bring you. I want to make you smarter and more inquisitive. I want to satisfy your curiosities and prompt questions you’ve never considered.
And we’re going to do this in a new way: No ads. No nonsense. No wasting your time or your money. I promise to make it worthwhile.
I just need one thing from you, and it’s something you’ve already willingly and graciously given me: Your time, your attention and your faith.
I won’t let you down.
If you haven’t subscribed yet, join now with this 30% off link: theathletic.com/indylaunch
