For one to be considered versatile, they must obtain skills through many different functions. In sports media, those experiences can range from on-air to off-air roles. With technology constantly evolving across every sector of the industry, it is key for anyone to be as versatile as possible for retention and longevity. When Adam Lefkoe pursued his career in sports media following his studies at Syracuse University, he was taught to embrace versatility in every aspect of his work.
“I think I’m the most versatile sports broadcaster right now. Just because of doing everything I’ve been asked to do,” said Lefkoe as he prepares for this weekend’s College Football Playoff first-round coverage on TNT Sports.
The 38-year-old host earned a multi-year contract extension earlier this year because of that versatility. He has hosted a wide range of sports coverage for the network since joining just over a decade ago. From college basketball to the network’s first coverage of Roland-Garros earlier this year, Lefkoe has crafted his own lane and led the network by never saying no to any opportunity.
“Working under timelines and doing what I’ve done makes you a better storyteller. It also makes you a better teammate,” explained Lefkoe. “It’s all very surreal, to be honest. I appreciate that they [TNT Sports] have let me grow, and I appreciate the fact that they have trusted me. The grass is usually greener. People look outside to find someone to handle all these duties. To let me build up to this, it’s a special relationship.”
Pressures of the Playoff
This is the second year TNT Sports is presenting opening-round games for the College Football Playoff. The broadcasts are part of a five-year sublicense agreement with ESPN. Next year, the network will add quarterfinal and semifinal matchups, in addition to first-round coverage. Lefkoe approaches this year’s coverage with a focus on execution. He is building on the experiences of last year’s debut while shaping expectations for the future.
“In terms of the studio shows that are housed in studios, I think ours was the most fun, most entertaining, and the best, if I’m being real with you,” noted Lefkoe of his work covering the Big 12 for TNT Sports with Takeo Spikes, Victor Cruz, and Champ Bailey.
While the foursome handled typical week-to-week coverage, including pregame, halftime, and postgame segments, the College Football Playoff coverage will differ. Lefkoe and his crew will host a one-hour postgame show following the conclusion of James Madison University taking on Oregon, with the broadcast originating live from Eugene, Oregon.
“It’s magic, man,” explained Lefkoe. “There’s a pulse. You get into television for the moments when you sit down and get a little nervous. A live audience takes it to that level. If all the Ducks’ fans are going crazy behind us, that will be a crazy atmosphere.”
The goal remains the same in approach, albeit just for a postgame program. Preparation is key, with solid production that leaps off the screen. The hope is to replicate the approach and viewing experience from the network’s highly praised Roland-Garros coverage earlier this year, which Lefkoe believes could set a new standard for College Football Playoff coverage.
“The tennis analysts at Roland-Garros had not experienced the TNT way of doing things. Which is Adam goes to the meeting, you don’t… I think they all had experiences elsewhere of rehearsals. We made it more of a natural conversation,” Lefkoe compared, reflecting on his experience at the French Open earlier this year and applying it to this weekend. “TNT was the first broadcaster for that sport [tennis] in over a decade, and people said that was refreshing. If we can do that with college football, I think we’re on the right track.”
Changes At TNT Sports
Lefkoe relies on his versatility and careful control of inputs. He applies strategy in preparing for every sport he is assigned to host. Earlier this year, through his experience at Roland-Garros, he learned that curiosity builds connections with the audience. Asking questions, rather than trying to prove yourself, allows the analyst to shine.
“The main thing was to enter with curiosity. Do not enter trying to prove yourself. Instead of having mindless conversations in the green room, I was asking questions non-stop,” said Lefkoe. “My goal is to keep being curious. Sometimes people get callous and have covered a sport for so long that they believe they are the arbiter of it. I feel as if I’m always the guest and make good dinner conversation.”
This year is different for TNT Sports, as the NBA is no longer part of the network for the first time in over two decades. With the league’s exit, Lefkoe lost the opportunity to continue hosting his Tuesday night NBA coverage.
He says he misses the NBA on TNT but still has affection for the sport. However, the departure of the league opened new possibilities for Lefkoe to break away from being known as “the NBA guy” on the network. More importantly, his focus shifted to the talented staff surrounding him.
“We were all worried about people behind the scenes if they’d lose their job. What TNT Sports has that I’ve seen through the eyes of other talent that have worked in other places is a vibe,” explained Lefkoe. “What happens behind the scenes completely impacts what you see on camera. We were just worried that we were losing people we really cared about.”
While not everyone behind the scenes was retained, Lefkoe was happy to see many colleagues he valued remain with the network in the same or different capacities. With Inside the NBA now airing on ESPN but still being produced in TNT Sports studios in Atlanta, Lefkoe remains ready in case his number is called.
“I believe I’ve been told that,” explained Lefkoe when asked if he would fill in for Ernie Johnson if he missed an airing of Inside the NBA. “If he [Ernie Johnson] had one of his grandchildren’s graduations or something like that where he needed to go, I’m going to get that call.”
A Try Anything Mindset to Success
Remaining versatile continues to be a key part of Lefkoe’s role at TNT Sports as he finds new ways to build relationships with sports fans. Even though he has become the face guiding the network’s sports coverage, he remains tied to his digital media roots through his partnership with Shaquille O’Neal.
For the past two years, Lefkoe and O’Neal have co-hosted the highly successful The Big Podcast with Shaq. They dive into any topic, expanding their reach and connection with the audience. When O’Neal asked Lefkoe to join the podcast, it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.
“Just don’t stop,” explained Lefkoe, emphasizing his commitment to growth. “When it comes to being versatile in doing different sports, why say no?”
Balancing opportunities is a daily challenge Lefkoe welcomes. Being passed up for multiple opportunities in his career taught him to persevere, take ownership of every request, ask thorough questions, and remain curious.
Building versatility into a sports media career is a goal many aspire to.
“Put yourself in those uncomfortable situations. Don’t be afraid of looking stupid, and stay curious,” said Lefkoe. “If you’re willing to listen and learn, then you can grow. If you think you know it all and feel the need to show people, they’re going to go, ‘this guy stinks.’ The journey and being open prepares you for anything.”
As the College Football Playoff approaches this weekend, Adam Lefkoe is set to once again demonstrate the value of his versatility.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
