ESPN Sportscenter anchor Jay Harris joined me on the show this week! Born in Norfolk, Virginia, Harris had a change in his life at the age of eight years old when his parents got a divorce, and he moved to Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Harris talked to me about the culture growing up in the country where he was surrounded by family in Chapel Hill and disciplined hard, but always felt loved. A music lover, Harris was a part of the band in his high school years, and a huge lover of the late great Prince. Loving sports at a young age, Harris favored David Thompson more than any athlete.Harris is an athlete himself, and don’t try to beat his jump shot, because it’s not going to happen.
Harris and I talked about the essence of debating about sports, and he says he doesn’t do it too much and just enjoys the game. Harris found out about becoming a sports journalist by taking an aptitude test in high school. He eventually focused on communications and everything has taken off from there. After graduating from Chapel Hill High, Harris eventually ended back up in Norfolk, Virginia, to attend Old Dominion University. Harris grew not only as a person but as a journalist day by day. An eventful four years at Old Dominion taught Harris a lot about responsibility and time management.
After graduating, he shuffled around, waiting for the perfect fit for him. Harris began working in Pittsburgh for a number of years, with a lifetime of an opportunity at his feet, you’ll be amazed at how Harris reacted. After years in Pittsburgh, Harris had his tapes sent to ESPN by a friend. ESPN quickly fell in love with Harris, and not once, but three times Harris rejected the opportunity to work at ESPN. His wife put him in place and got him to understand this was the best opportunity for him, and of course, he listened to his wife. 18 years later, Harris is still at ESPN. He began working at ESPNews, and is now, of course, one of the lead anchors for the world renowned Sportscenter.
The advice Harris gave me forever changed my life, something he learned from the late great Stuart Scott, another idol of mine. “Be You,” at all times. Enjoy the episode! Thanks again Mr. Harris; this truly meant the world!
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