The Super Bowl coverage is underway months before the network’s first chance at the big event.

Jeremy Sharp: Sports Historian and ESPN Reporter

Jeremy Sharp, a notable sports historian, often jokes about not having a Ph.D. It’s a playful nod to his extensive work in sports journalism.

At 56, Sharp has made a name for himself, authoring books on figures like 1930s heavyweight boxing champion Jesse Owens, directing a powerful “30 for 30” episode on Buster Douglas’ 1990 victory over Mike Tyson, and earning a Peabody Award for a recent “E60” episode on Jim Abbott. His body of work highlights various stories that illustrate sports’ connection to society.

“I think it’s, well, important,” he shared in a recent interview at ESPN’s Manhattan studio. “We often overlook it, treating sports like it’s some sort of toy store, but there’s so much significance here. The history of sports is endlessly fascinating to me.”

As the host of “E60” and “The Sports Reporters,” Sharp is currently pouring his passion into a new project for ESPN, just as the network gears up for the Super Bowl. He’s now hosting “The Biggest Game” podcast, part of ESPN’s broader initiative leading up to the Super Bowl, set to be the first time the event is broadcast by ESPN in 2027.

This podcast, both audio and video, digs into the Super Bowl’s history, examining the pivotal moments that have shaped the game’s significance in American culture.

“This is a dream project,” Sharp commented, referencing his father, Dick Sharp, a respected sportswriter who co-wrote Joe Namath’s autobiography in 1969. “Having a deep connection to pro football, especially through my dad, who witnessed the early days of the sport, means a lot to me. We’re looking at the broader cultural and social implications of the Super Bowl.”

The inaugural episode, released after this year’s Super Bowl in February, features Sharp chatting with ESPN colleague Chris Berman, who has covered an impressive 43 Super Bowls. Weekly episodes began airing last week in anticipation of the 2026 NFL Draft, with Sharp analyzing the Herschel Walker trade’s implications on the Cowboys’ Super Bowl victories in the ’90s.

Future episodes are set to tackle various topics, including the aftermath of Super Bowl III, the power outage during Super Bowl 47, the evolution of the halftime show, and Whitney Houston’s iconic national anthem performance during Super Bowl XXV amidst the Gulf War.

Sharp is recognized as one of ESPN’s leading reporters, having covered significant sports stories. Notably, his interview with Bob Knight after Knight’s dismissal from Indiana University received high praise from critics.

Despite some criticism directed at ESPN for focusing more on opinion-driven shows lately, Sharp believes storytelling remains a central focus for the network. ESPN has been investing in journalism, including hiring former Washington Post reporters to enhance their investigative team.

“Storytelling is vital to what we do, and it’s clear that upper management supports this,” noted Sharp. “There’s definitely room on our platform for varied content, and it’s reassuring to witness this commitment.”