Kevin Clark accepted a job offer from Bill Simmons, according to Awful Announcing. Clark, known for his NFL coverage at the Wall Street Journal, made the decision in 2016 to join Simmons’ startup despite having multiple offers, including one from Sports Illustrated.
What happened
Bill Simmons reached out to Kevin Clark via email, expressing his admiration for Clark’s work. “I think that what you’re doing would be a really good fit for what we’re building,” Simmons wrote. Clark, recalling the moment, reflected, “It was just a home run.” He eventually left the Wall Street Journal to join Simmons’ venture, The Ringer.
Clark had a brief encounter with Simmons years earlier, which he likened to meeting Michael Jordan. Despite that moment, it was his established reputation that led Simmons to contact him. At the time, Clark had multiple job offers but chose to pursue the opportunity at The Ringer, a startup without a well-known name.
Why it matters
This decision reflects the changing landscape of sports media, where emerging platforms offer opportunities that traditional outlets often cannot match. Clark noted advice from Brian Rolapp, who emphasized that “any job can be the best job in America now.” This shift enables talented individuals to explore diverse roles outside the realm of established media giants.
Background
On May 20, 2016, Clark’s decision to join The Ringer came at a time when digital media was evolving rapidly. His previous experiences at the Wall Street Journal and encounter with Simmons laid the groundwork for this pivotal move. The subsequent years at The Ringer shaped Clark’s media presence significantly.
What’s next
Clark’s show, This Is Football, made its television debut on ESPN2 in September 2024 and has since expanded to a full hour. Moving forward, he will continue to engage with audiences through various ESPN platforms, enhancing his role in sports media.
