Sports Writer Jeff Pearlman’s Pen Never Fades Away

Jeff’s fearless approach to stories followed him to the University of Delaware. He immediately began writing for UD’s The Review, the university’s independent, student-run newspaper. While he admits that some of his early writing may have been subpar, his chutzpah never wavered, no matter the number of punches he took.

Jeff Pearlman in college at the University of Delaware

“You have to get smacked around a lot to learn what it is to get smacked around a lot…getting punished, getting demoted, getting embarrassed, all those things, you need them to grow as a journalist, and you get a lot of that at college,” Jeff said.

However, there is one critical mistake Jeff cautions aspiring sports journalists to avoid: making their work about themselves. After all, one of the most beautiful things about being a journalist is having the privilege to observe and listen to other people’s stories.

Jeff has more advice that can be universally applied beyond journalism: be adaptable. Jeff, whose work was expressly for print media throughout much of his career, has since expanded his voice into the YouTube and TikTok realm. 

“When I was at Sports Illustrated, there were a lot of writers who did not want to write for the web, they steadfastly refused…almost all of those writers are out of the business,” Jeff said. 

Does he particularly like taking his work to social media to produce content? No.

But he didn’t see it as a choice.

“I don’t want to do this sh*t, like not really…you either adapt or you fade away, and I feel like at 53 years old, I’m too young to fade away,” Jeff said.

Jeff’s Life Outside of Writing

But part of not fading away requires taking a break from the screen. For Jeff, he makes sure to give himself time outside of the demanding sports media realm. This might be going for walks with his dog Poppy near his scenic Southern California home, listening to music (a true child of the 80s, Jeff’s an avid Hall & Oates fan), or playing pickup basketball.

Jeff Pearlman's success rooted in love of writing – The Oracle

Jeff Pearlman is by no means an arrogant man. The only category in which he comes somewhat close to having an overdose of confidence is his pump fake. He learned from his roommate during his time at UD, legend has it that it is nearly un-guardable.

“I have one of the great pump fakes of all time…I’d be smokin’ Fairfield intramurals right now,” Jeff joked.

As much as the best-selling author likes to hoop, his favorite thing to do in his free time is be with his family. Jeff is a husband to Catherine and father to Casey and Emmett. Although he has garnered a myriad of accomplishments throughout his career, Jeff considers his biggest win the fact that he was a steady presence for his kids growing up.

“I was around for everything…I was my kids’ Class Mom one year, I coached youth sports all the time, every ballet recital…my greatest pleasure and the thing I’m most proud of…I was a very present dad,” said Jeff.

Ultimately, Jeff Pearlman is a man of many things: a Hall & Oates roadie (not true), a pro pickup basketball player (still not true, but closer), a wildly successful author, and a devoted family man (okay, both true). His exceptional sports knowledge and his witty sense of humor stand out for those who are lucky enough to meet him.

But be warned.

To anyone unlucky enough to find themselves having to guard Jeff on the basketball court, two words of advice: Don’t jump!

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