There’s something special about storytelling in sports. It’s not just about the scores, the statistics, or even the highlights—it’s about capturing the raw emotions, the human struggle, and the moments that define careers and inspire generations. As someone who has spent over two decades in sports journalism, I’ve come to realize that the most memorable stories aren’t always about the biggest wins. Sometimes, they’re about the journey, the heartbreak, and the resilience that make sports so powerful.
Finding the Story Beyond the Scoreboard
The best sports stories don’t just recap what happened on the field; they dig deeper. Every game has a narrative, and it’s the journalist’s job to uncover it. Some of the most compelling moments I’ve covered have come from unexpected places—an overlooked rookie proving his worth, a veteran fighting through injury to play one last game, or a team coming together in the wake of tragedy.
I remember covering a high school basketball game early in my career, thinking it was just another routine assignment. But I soon learned that one of the players had lost his father just days before. That night, he played the game of his life, dedicating every shot to his dad. The final score was irrelevant compared to the emotional weight of that moment. That’s when I truly understood that sports journalism is about more than just reporting—it’s about connecting people to the heart of the game.
The Power of the Interview
One of the greatest tools a journalist has is the interview. It’s where the real stories come to life. Athletes and coaches may be used to giving rehearsed answers, but the key to a great interview is making them feel comfortable enough to share something real.
I’ve had the privilege of speaking with some of the biggest names in sports, but what always stands out isn’t just their accomplishments—it’s their struggles, their doubts, and their motivations. A well-placed question can reveal a side of an athlete that fans never see.
Rick Saleeby has always believed in asking the questions that matter, the ones that go beyond the game. It’s not just about “How did it feel to win?” but “What was going through your mind in that final moment?” or “What did you have to overcome to get here?” The difference between a forgettable interview and a compelling one is finding those deeper layers of a person’s story.
The Challenge of Objectivity
One of the biggest challenges in sports journalism is remaining objective while still telling a great story. Fans live and die with their teams, but as journalists, we have to find the balance between passion and professionalism. It’s easy to get caught up in the drama of a big game or to root for the underdog, but at the end of the day, our job is to tell the truth—even when it’s not popular.
I’ve covered teams that I grew up cheering for, and I’ve also had to report on their failures. That’s never easy, but it’s part of the job. The best journalists find a way to be fair, honest, and insightful, even when emotions are running high. A great sports story isn’t about pushing a narrative—it’s about presenting the reality of the moment, whether it’s victory or defeat.
Evolving with the Industry
Sports journalism isn’t what it used to be. When I first started, everything revolved around television, newspapers, and radio. Now, social media, streaming platforms, and podcasts have changed the game entirely. The pressure to break news quickly is higher than ever, but speed should never come at the cost of accuracy and depth.
At the same time, these changes have opened up new opportunities for storytelling. Platforms like Twitter allow journalists to engage directly with fans, while long-form digital features give us the space to explore stories in ways we couldn’t before. Adapting to these changes has been a challenge, but at its core, the essence of great sports journalism remains the same: tell stories that matter.
Why This Work Still Matters
After all these years, I still love what I do. Sports journalism isn’t just about covering games; it’s about capturing the emotions, the history, and the moments that people will remember forever. The best stories live on beyond the final buzzer. They remind us why we love sports in the first place—because they reflect life in its most dramatic and unscripted form.
Whether it’s a championship celebration or a crushing defeat, a comeback story or a career-ending injury, every moment has the potential to become something unforgettable. That’s why I do this. That’s why Rick Saleeby, and so many others who love the craft, continue to chase the stories that make sports more than just a game.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about what happens on the field—it’s about how those moments make us feel. And that’s a story worth telling.