Jeff Zillgitt, one of the most respected NBA writers in sports journalism, is leaving USA Today after three decades. The veteran NBA reporter announced he is taking a company buyout, closing the chapter on a career that began in 1995 and took him across the globe covering the biggest events in sports.
Zillgitt shared the news in a personal blog post, reflecting on a journey that started in Monroe, Michigan. At just 12 years old, he bought his first copy of USA Today from a newspaper box across the street from his elementary school. Thirteen years later, he joined the paper and never looked back.
“All I ever wanted to do was be a newspaper person,” Zillgitt wrote. “I got to live out the dream of a lifetime here.”
His resume underscores that point. During his career, Zillgitt covered 18 NBA Finals, eight Olympics, seven World Series, six Super Bowls, six Final Fours, and two college football national championship games. He also traveled internationally, filing stories everywhere from Paris, France, to small-town America.
Yet the decision to step away wasn’t solely professional. Zillgitt has battled serious health challenges over the past decade, including metastatic stomach cancer. He recently underwent radiation treatment in addition to ongoing infusions, and he credited the support of his colleagues and readers with helping him through difficult stretches.
“This job and colleagues have helped me through dark days and made it possible for me to get from there to here,” Zillgitt wrote. “The support and kindness have been overwhelming and have enriched my life.”
The buyout gives Zillgitt a chance to reset. While he has no immediate plans beyond a few freelance assignments, he said he intends to travel, fly-fish in Montana, relax on the beach, and take in some live music. Eventually, he expects to continue telling stories in some form.
“I don’t have anything lined up,” he noted, “but I still have stories to tell.”
In 2015, Zillgitt was part of a USA TODAY team that was honored in the Associated Press Sports Editors “Investigative” writing contest. He has broken news, covered the NBA’s biggest moments and conducted one-on-one interviews with the game’s most important participants, including Adam Silver, LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant
As he departs, Zillgitt leaves behind not only an impressive body of work but also a reputation for professionalism and kindness. He made it clear he will continue rooting for USA Today’s success and remains open to conversations about journalism over coffee in his Northern Virginia community.
“I am fortunate and lucky,” Zillgitt said. “It was an honor, privilege and joy to work here.”
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