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10 Questions with ... Jeffrey Gorman
July 1, 2014
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Jeffrey worked on the road with the Black Crowes and his cousin/drummer Steve Gorman, taking on a variety of roles during his six years with the band - some fun and others not fit for print. He then worked as a Correspondent on FOX’s Best Damn Sports Show Period; toured the country hosting Sports Illustrated’s live, on-site shows at various sporting events throughout the nation; spent a decade acting on-stage and in TV, film and commercials; and most recently worked as the Director of Broadcast for the Indianapolis Colts, where he also served as the Director of Player Relations and wrote, produced and hosted related television and radio programs in the market. He currently co-hosts Steve Gorman SPORTS!, a nationally syndicated FOX Sports Radio program. Based in Nashville, Tenn., Jeffrey joins Steve weekday afternoons on the network as they interview a wide variety of guests from the athletic and musical worlds, delivering unique sports commentary and entertainment.
1. You went through working on the road with your cousin's band to being on-camera to overseeing radio and TV broadcasts for the Colts to being Steve's co-host. With all of that on your resume, what appealed to you about working on a daily sports radio show? What about radio attracted you to it in the first place?
People call me crazy for leaving the NFL, but new challenges fire me up. Creating new material with Steve is fun and the payoffs, the listener reactions, are the best part. Opinions are everything in daily radio. People like to hear each other's thoughts - sometimes good, sometimes bad - but it keeps you rolling along. Also, Nashville, Tenn., has always been one of my favorite cities to visit and now I get to live here and I love it. I’m just not a fan of their football team.
2. How do you see your role on the show? How do you see the dynamic between you and Steve on the show?
Steve is well thought out, a sponge for news, and forms his opinions after carefully weighing all the information. I'm more from the "ready, fire, aim" school of thought. It makes for a good combo, and the more twists and humor I can spin off of his lead, the better. Plus, it’s nice to see him daily. I've missed the big hoss for the last 15-20 years.
3. In a similar vein, what's the best thing about working on the air with your cousin? And what's the worst thing?
The best part is the non-stop laughing. We're both in our 40's, but the majority of the time you'd think we were in elementary school. The worst part is that Steve's well-read and much smarter than me. I need to read more books, thanks to him.
4. You've worked with, and been around, a lot of famous people throughout your career. Of all of them, who was the one that was the most meaningful to you? Was there one person, whether an interview subject or someone you encountered with the Colts or the band, that blew you away just by being there?
Watching Peyton Manning prepare for a game and the season was special, and it makes you shake your head in amazement. He made everyone around him better, and the work he put in was contagious in the Colts locker room. Whether you're “famous†or not, it doesn't matter to me - if you do good for others and are a good person, then I'm a fan.
5. You're on social media, but what role does it play in how you do radio? Is it a show prep tool, a way to communicate with listeners, another megaphone for your opinion, something else, all of the above, none of the above?
I'd say all of the above - it keeps you up-to-speed on the latest trends, obviously, but getting different opinions from social media is also beneficial. The medium is also a big help in show prep, and I like to hear what listeners think during and after the show - what works and what doesn’t. Some cuss you out while others invite you to dinner. Where else can you get that day after day?
6. Who have been your mentors and influences, in the business and in life?
My mother and father always encouraged me to take chances, to go for it. Plus, they put up with me for years even though I was a pain in their asses. They’re the biggest influences on me, end of story. In business, Pete Ward, COO of the Colts is a great mentor. He started as an intern in Baltimore and is now second in command of an NFL team, a tireless worker who grinds away daily. I've always appreciated watching and learning from him.
7. Pick a couple of bests: Best athlete you've ever seen, and best album your cousin didn't play on. Because.
The best athlete I’ve ever seen is Reggie Wayne, Wide Receiver for the Colts. I've seen hundreds of practices and games, as well as the ridiculous things he does day in and day out - he’s just remarkable. The best album I’ve heard is R.E.M.’s "Fables of the Reconstruction.†Steve's a good drummer, but he's no Bill Berry of R.E.M.
8. Of what are you most proud?
In '99, I stopped drinking and using drugs. I was a mess, and that was the best thing that ever happened to me.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________.
v...dark roast coffee.10. What's the best advice you've ever gotten? The worst?
The best advice I’ve ever received was to travel - however you can, find a way to travel and see other places.
Worst advice - I haven’t gotten any yet; I'll keep you updated though.
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