Madelyn Burke on Working in Sports, Struggling with Confidence & a Female Team Reporters Group Chat

Originally from Los Angeles, sports host and reporter Madelyn Burke has found a new home in New York City. Burke works as a studio host and reporter for Sports Illustrated while also reporting on the New York Giants. She has worked in various capacities in the sports world including her first job on the Fox Sports Net show “Runnin with the PAC”. She talks with us about her best memories from her career and offers her advice for aspiring sports journalists.

Did you always want to work in sports media?

I loved writing, so I went to college with the focus on pursuing a Journalism degree. It wasn’t until I was in college when I realized I could combine my passion for writing and sports, and my path somewhat organically evolved from print to video/digital in that regard.

You have covered multiple sports and leagues including the NBA, college football, and now the NFL. Which one is your favorite to cover and which is your favorite to watch?

That’s a tricky question! I love my role with the Giants, and have had so much opportunity for growth in my five (going on six!) seasons with that team. Covering the NBA was a blast, as well. I traveled with the Clippers in my role with the team, and that experience is so immersive, such a unique perspective of what athletes go through– not just the practice and the rigorous game schedule, but also the late night travel and grueling sleep schedule! To answer your question, though, I can’t say I have a clear favorite sport to cover. I love the human element and the opportunity to get to know the people involved, to see a different perspective of all it takes for a sports team to function. As for my favorite to watch, NFL and NBA are pretty neck and neck at the top of my list, but I might have to say golf! I love to play golf and admire the patience and precision of the game.

What was the best moment of your career?

I’d like to think the best moment of my career hasn’t happened yet, but I’ve had some wonderful moments. Getting my first job as host of Runnin’ with the PAC on FOX was an incredible moment, as was each of the moments I found out I got each of the jobs I have had. Working production on multiple Super Bowls and NBA Finals will always be memorable. Covering NFL and NBA drafts throughout the years, and watching the players who I interviewed as they were approaching their professional career turn into elite athletes in that sport is such a rewarding journey. I’ve done interviews with athletes who have been so candid and vulnerable with me, and I respect that immensely. 

Who is one of the most memorable athletes you interviewed?

I’ve been fortunate to interview a lot of athletes in various sports and situations, but I’d have to say Usain Bolt was quite memorable. Considering how incomparable he is as an athlete, he was still so grounded, and I admire that about him. I spoke to him just before the birth of his first child, which was an endearing insight into who he is as a person and appreciated the perspective he offered on his own greatness, telling me how he had to learn to be elite. 

Who are some women you admire?

There are so many, I could answer this question for hours. Doris Burke is an incredibly talented and well-respected woman. I admire the way she can switch between roles as a reporter, an analyst, and always offers insightful information. She injects her personality organically and is extremely authentic.  Pam Oliver is another woman who comes to mind. She has been doing NFL sidelines at a high level for so long and has embraced a very public demotion with class, never let it affect how she did her job. She has always been a delight to work with when we have crossed paths on the sidelines.

I’ve also got a great network of female team reporters, and I admire each of them in a different way. We have come together with a group chat that discusses everything from salaries and work-life balance to fake eyelashes and relationships, and it’s so valuable to have a network of women who are in a role similar to mine, who understand what my job is and the things that come along with that. 

What would you tell women struggling to find their confidence?

I think we all struggle with confidence at times, and in the moments in which I am down on myself, I try to remember that nobody is as critical of me as I am of myself. It’s helpful having a support system of people who can give you a temperature check when you need it, whether it be family, friends, or trusted colleagues, but in the end confidence is an inside job. Know yourself, and be true to yourself. I find it’s better to be authentically yourself, flawed and all, than an attempted imitation of what we perceive perfection to be. Authenticity is valuable, and flaws can be strengths if looked at in a different light.

What is one thing you wish you knew sooner and would tell aspiring sports journalists?

This industry is hard. I’ve been fired, I’ve been passed over for jobs I feel I should have gotten, I’ve been criticized on social media in hurtful ways at times, I’ve seen people much younger than me rise much faster. It’s an extremely subjective industry, and the sooner you understand and accept that, the better. Your timing is your timing. Just because someone got their dream job at 26 doesn’t mean you won’t get yours at 36. Find where you fit. Enjoy the journey. We all have goals and dreams of where we’d like to end up, but embrace the steps along the way. Your first job may not be where you see yourself in five years, or even in two years, but take the moment to be fully present in the role and give it your all. Spend less time chasing the next opportunity and enjoy the one you have.

Lastly, take every opportunity. I have worked in production, running cables, running errands, scrolling a teleprompter, running tapes, carrying 40 pounds of gear to shoot, edit and produce my own content… no role is too small, no task is below you, especially when you’re getting started. All of these experiences will teach you something about the industry that will be useful down the road. You never know who you will meet, and where they will end up. Life is long, and it’s a very small industry, so take advantage of every opportunity as you are finding your place in it.