In the eyes of Chapel Hill alumnus Jay Harris, being a sports journalist is more than delivering news, reporting messages and reading teleprompters. Jay Harris may be an anchor for ESPN, but his job does not stop there.
In his 14th year at ESPN, Harris, a Chapel Hill graduate (class of 1983), finds himself at the top of his profession. Harris has worked in a variety of roles but currently hosts the morning edition of SportsCenter.
Storytelling is an art, and even at ESPN Harris still works to get better at his craft. “Like the way doctors practice medicine, I like to call what I do the ‘practice’ of journalism,” Harris said. “You just try and get better every day.”
After graduating from Old Dominion University, Harris worked at a radio news station in Virginia, making very little money; in fact, no money at all. He then moved to Pittsburgh to work at another radio news station and did a part-time television gig. Then, a friend showed ESPN a tape of Harris. He auditioned, “and almost 15 years later, I’m still here,” Harris said.
Harris’s hard work has not gone unnoticed. He has been a part of two Emmy Award-winning SportsCenter shows and has received awards from the New York Festivals, Pittsburgh Black Media Federation and Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals.
Before the lights shined on him at ESPN and before his voice resonated over the radio, Harris started in Chapel Hill. During Harris’s four years at Chapel Hill High School, he participated in many activities. Harris was elected as class vice-president, played in a cover band, played basketball and was a part of the yearbook staff.
During his junior year, Harris took a “career aptitude test,” that suggested the profession in which he would likely succeed. “I’ve always enjoyed storytelling,” Harris said. “I was always a talker, and I’ve always been curious. I think that’s why I scored well in the area of interpersonal skills on that career aptitude test. One of the professions listed was journalist, so that’s what I chose.”
During his time at ESPN, Harris has had the opportunity to interview many professional athletes. Recently, he was joined by American League Rookie of the Year, Aaron Judge. “It’s cool to learn that [athletes] are just like us, except for being really talented in a specialized area,” Harris said. “They have jobs, kids, problems, good times and bad times, just like us.”
Among Harris’s many highlights during his career, one stands out. Harris was dunked on by Michael Jordan during a pickup game. Harris has also starred in many “This is SportsCenter” commercials where professional athletes team up with ESPN hosts in funny skits. Harris has been filmed alongside sports heroes like speedster Usain Bolt, U.S. women’s soccer player Alex Morgan, gold medal-winning Michael Phelps and Mets pitcher Matt Harvey.
Harris’s passion for his job shows through his vibrant smile on ESPN every morning. “Find something you love to do, and you’ll never work a day in your life,” Harris said.
Over time, athletes and their sports evolve. Lebron may move on from the Cavaliers, Tom Brady may finally retire and the Browns might finally make the playoffs or win a game. But one thing is certain: Jay Harris will keep telling stories and doing what he loves.
“Be a storyteller,” Harris said, “not a news reporter, not a sports reporter. Be a storyteller, a writer, a conversationalist. Those are the folks who are memorable and who succeed.”
