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People and Pop Culture

Plugged In: A.J. Francis, Washington Redskins

Washington Redskins defensive tackle A.J. Francis spent two weeks working with CSN Mid-Atlantic last month as part of the NFL Players Association’s four-year-old Externship Program. Francis, 26, who is looking to pursue a media career once his playing days end, was embedded in all aspects of the network’s production, appearing on air and working behind the scenes. A University of Maryland graduate, Francis speaks about his post-NFL plans and how he heard about this opportunity.

I’ve never had a problem with the media. I can express myself and articulate points without saying anything that’s going to upset my general manager or coach.


Photo: COURTESY OF A.J. FRANCIS
On post-career plans: I want to use my connections in sports to get a sports analyst job, do some color commentary and radio. I want to build up a following so that eventually I can transition into the political realm of media — CNN, MSNBC, Politico. Because my undergraduate degree is in government and politics and my masters is in public policy, my goal is to eventually run for political office.

On getting the opportunity: The NFLPA’s Player Manager Dior Ginyard sent an email asking me if I wanted to do it. I did this program two years ago when I worked under Kevin Anderson at the University of Maryland and Kelly Mehrtens, who was then the deputy director of athletics who now works at the NFLPA. Two years ago, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do.

On the NFL’s annual Broadcast Boot Camp: I haven’t done the broadcasting boot camp. Partly, that’s because I had opportunities at places like CSN and 120 Sports. I didn’t have to pay $2,000 to do it, so I don’t feel like I need to do it. Plus, a lot of the Broadcasting Boot Camp is for people that are uncomfortable on camera, getting their personality down and getting how to present on camera. I feel like I already have that and don’t have the need to do it.

On role models: Brian Mitchell has done a fantastic job. He has transitioned out of football, got a radio job. Now he does on-air TV work and is one of the best in the business. He’s a hard worker who you can model yourself after. He’s always a happy guy. That’s how I view myself. If you work those kind of hours, if you don’t love what you’re doing, you’re going to hate your life. I want to enjoy my life.

— John Ourand

SBJ Morning Buzzcast: March 25, 2024

NFL meeting preview; MLB's opening week ad effort and remembering Peter Angelos.

Big Get Jay Wright, March Madness is upon us and ESPN locks up CFP

On this week’s pod, our Big Get is CBS Sports college basketball analyst Jay Wright. The NCAA Championship-winning coach shares his insight with SBJ’s Austin Karp on key hoops issues and why being well dressed is an important part of his success. Also on the show, Poynter Institute senior writer Tom Jones shares who he has up and who is down in sports media. Later, SBJ’s Ben Portnoy talks the latest on ESPN’s CFP extension and who CBS, TNT Sports and ESPN need to make deep runs in the men’s and women's NCAA basketball tournaments.

SBJ I Factor: Nana-Yaw Asamoah

SBJ I Factor features an interview with AMB Sports and Entertainment Chief Commercial Office Nana-Yaw Asamoah. Asamoah, who moved over to AMBSE last year after 14 years at the NFL, talks with SBJ’s Ben Fischer about how his role model parents and older sisters pushed him to shrive, how the power of lifelong learning fuels successful people, and why AMBSE was an opportunity he could not pass up. Asamoah is 2021 SBJ Forty Under 40 honoree. SBJ I Factor is a monthly podcast offering interviews with sports executives who have been recipients of one of the magazine’s awards.

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