Why I write sports

I read somewhere that good writing does not get you noticed. Instead, an ability to engage and cultivate a audience gets you noticed and promoted by big publishers.

Maybe that explains why I am not an employed sports journalist, despite my countless published articles.

However, this is not some cynical, anti-establishment cry from a struggling artist. This is self exploration into why I dedicate my few hours of free-time into writing sports. Hopefully it will help you discover why you love your passion.

I found myself promoting my articles on every social media channel like the thirsty man explores rejection from every female in the club.

The attention I found was unsatisfying. Casual fans commented on my posts without even reading or thinking about the valid points in my rhetoric.

I gained followers who were mostly fake and looking for a follow back. I felt frustrated seeing my hard work under appreciated from audiences and publishers alike.

Despite my thousands of reads, facing rejection from potential employers and readers sucked. It tested every bone in my body not to feel defeated.

I found myself hating sports. Hating the cycle of greed and mutiny. One player wants more money, one team wins and one team loses.

I found myself hating the world of sports media. ESPN and their unlimited access. Insiders - who are predominately white - with more sources than I could ever dream of.

Players using social media and Players Tribune to communicate their messages, rather than choosing a mediated message. TMZ paying for sports stories and covering sports infotainment. Not to mention the millions of bloggers with their own opinions on sports - including myself.

Then I realized why I love sports

I stumbled upon an archived article from ESPN’s J.A. Adande. Ironically, Adande’s 30 seconds of facetime helped me discover my initial passion for sports as a second grader watching Around the Horn.

His article about his love for sports stated some of the reasons why I love sports.

I love that sports represents the best and worst in our society. Money, greed, hard-work, politics, relationships and health are all intertwined under the umbrella topic of sports.

At the root of it all, sports are the greatest pieces of human interest. People rise in sports, regardless of social class.

I hope to help share some of that light, but I also enjoy discussing darkness and injustice disguised as light. Sports naturally embodies the purest principles of good and evil.

Of course I love the competition. It is an adrenaline rush every time there is a timely story. It tests me everyday, will I sink or swim?

There is nothing better than writing a better piece than your competition. The stress of deadlines keep you focused towards innovation. If writing sports was easy than everyone would do it.

Free games are great too. I love understanding the spectacle of sports better than an average joe.

Mostly, it is the people in sports that are truly rewarding. Not only are sports fans some of the most passionate people around, but they also share some of the same experiences and memories as you.

Why I love writing about sports

Unlike J.A. Adande, writing about sports is not the only thing I do.

I work for a great advertising company that values me and pays me well. I then come home and try to complete at least one blog or article a day.

I enjoy breaking down the complex into laments terms. I turn sports jargon, statistics, hours of reading, listening and watching into digestible pieces of content.

I enjoy thinking outside of the box and challenging opinions of others. I love helping thousands of fans escape the realities of their day. I like feeling like I am apart of something greater than myself.

I worked internally in professional sports, so I see the biggest picture of what sports culture means to people. I am blessed with skills which communicate that.

I enjoy the freedom of pursuing my passion on my terms. I do not take creative advice from a major publisher fueled by major advertisers.

I get my opinions from the pulse of the fanbase on social media and in the world. I receive my information from the reporters paid for their service. I am not burned out on watching games everyday, so Imaintain my fandom for sports.

Maybe this is my work life balance?

I work in advertising and writing sports is my life.

Many people tell you that you must work in your passion because it makes your life easier. However, if something is your passion wouldn’t you do it for free?

Although I do not have the privilege to write sports for extensive money, I do it for the love of the game.

Writing sports is a craft not a trade or a hobby. This is not just a way to pass time or a means to a living. Writing sports is the reason I smile after a long day.

I enjoy coming home at 6 p.m. exhausted from work, but feeling obligated to turn out some sports copy.

I write sports because I love it, not because I want to satisfy a audience. I refuse to sacrifice my methodology for more shares and reads.

People will read me and people will not read me. People will love what I write and people will not love what I write.

Guess, what…? I will always like what I write and love the process more. If my articles cause one person to think differently about a topic than it was a success.

That said… Thank you for sharing!