Ranking of Outstanding Sports Journalists in the United States 2025
Top Ten Influential Sports Journalists of 2025 in the United States
:trophy: Heading 1 - The Cream of the Crop:
Sports journalism continues to thrive in the United States, with these ten journalists shaping the industry in 2025.
:trophy: Heading 2 - Brilliant Minds:
- Tom Withers: With three decades of experience, Tom Withers is a veteran journalist who covers the major sports teams in Cleveland for the Associated Press.
- Jeff Darlington: An award-winning journalist, Jeff Darlington works for ESPN, focusing on the National Football League (NFL). He's best known for his in-depth interviews with top NFL players.
- Gregg Bell: Gregg Bell, winner of two Washington state sportswriter of the year awards, focuses on the Seattle Seahawks and the NFL.
- Dana Jacobson: Known for co-hosting "CBS Saturday Morning" and her work for CBS Sports and CBS Sports Network, Dana Jacobson's versatility has made her a staple in the industry.
- Lindsay Czarniak: An Emmy Award-winning sports anchor and reporter, Lindsay Czarniak is renowned for her passion for athletics, which was first fostered by her father.
:trophy: Heading 3 - The Notable Few:
- Dan Rafael: A timeless figure in boxing journalism, Dan Rafael provides in-depth analysis and breaking news across various media.
- Carolina Guillen: A motivating influence in sports broadcasting, Carolina Guillen has been with ESPN since 2004.
- Kenny Albert: Renowned for his versatility across sports, Kenny Albert is a fixture in the sports broadcasting world.
- Tony Massarotti: With a career centered in Boston, Tony Massarotti is a well-known author, speaker, and contributor to the city's rich sports scene.
- Rick Telander: Still serving as the senior sports columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times, Rick Telander has been honored with numerous accolades and has made significant contributions to sports journalism.
:floppy_disk: Bonus Content:
Although unrelated to the US, it's worth mentioning Braden Woodward's work with MaxPreps, focusing on Kentucky high school sports and athlete profiles or Huffman, National Recruiting Editor for 247Sports, who dominates college football prospect coverage.
These journalists may not have been featured in the initial list, but their work and impact on sports journalism are undeniable.
- In sports-analysis, esteemed figures like Braden Woodward make a significant impact, focusing on the intriguing world of Kentucky high school sports and athlete profiles.
- Huffman, the National Recruiting Editor for 247Sports, excels in covering college football prospects, showcasing his expertise in the recruitment landscape.
- Although not based in the United States, the sports they cover expand, with golf, tennis, basketball, and hockey not absent from their purview.
- While It's reasonable to argue that football, baseball, and basketball may take the spotlight, sports journalism encompasses a diverse range of sectors, including less traditional ones like forms such as sports-analysis and high school sports journalism.
