In reflecting on a fulfilling career, it becomes clear that success is often a team effort, both professionally and personally. As I step away from my weekly column, Fmia Peter King, I want to express my deepest gratitude to those who have been integral to this journey.
My family, especially my wife Ann and daughters Laura and Mary Beth, have been my unwavering support system. Their understanding and sacrifices allowed me to pursue my passion for sports journalism. Ann, in particular, deserves immense credit for her patience and strength, enabling me to dedicate myself to my work, even when it meant frequent absences. Her support was the bedrock of my ability to do this job the right way. I am eternally grateful for her sacrifices and unwavering love.
I also owe a debt of gratitude to the editors and mentors who gave me crucial opportunities early in my career. Frank Hinchey and Jim Schottelkotte at the Cincinnati Enquirer took a chance on a young, inexperienced writer. Dick Sandler at Newsday provided my entry into the world of NFL coverage. Mark Mulvoy at Sports Illustrated elevated my career by bringing me to the magazine, a platform that opened countless doors and allowed me to hone my craft among some of the best in the business. My time at Sports Illustrated was transformative, pushing me to strive for excellence and outwork my peers. Ross Greenberg at HBO’s “Inside the NFL” and Dick Ebersol at NBC’s “Football Night in America” provided invaluable experiences in television journalism. Finally, Sam Flood and Rick Cordella, along with Matt Casey, Ron Vaccaro, Kevin Monaghan, and Tess Quinlan at NBC, have been instrumental in my more recent years, providing support and collaboration that I deeply appreciate.
The Team Behind FMIA and The Peter King Podcast
FMIA Peter King and The Peter King Podcast would not have been possible without the dedicated team behind the scenes. Dom Bonvissuto served as the long-time editor and guiding force of the Monday column. More recently, Sarah Hughes and Amelia Acosta at NBC have been exceptional editors and assistants, offering invaluable advice and tireless support. Their dedication and peer-like collaboration have been essential to the column’s success. Paul Burmeister and Myles Simmons have been fantastic co-hosts for the podcast over the years, with Myles bringing a vital dynamic and adaptability to the ever-changing schedule. I also appreciate Mike Florio for our engaging Friday segments on PFT, where we could explore a wide range of topics beyond football. Finally, thank you to Courtney Gustafson, Kristen Coleman, Pete Damilatis, and E.J. Gentile for their creative contributions and support in various aspects of the column and podcast.
Mike Florio, a frequent collaborator on PFT and friend.
Looking Ahead: A Normal Football Sunday
As I transition into a new chapter, I anticipate the simple joys of a normal NFL Sunday. The prospect of watching Red Zone, taking a nap, walking the dog, and enjoying part of the Sunday night game, all without the pressure of deadlines, is something I eagerly await. A 9:40 PM bedtime on a Sunday in the fall will be a welcome change.
Memorable Moments: From Press Boxes to the Big Screen
Reflecting on my career, certain moments stand out. One particularly surreal experience was watching “A Few Good Men” in a movie theater and seeing Tom Cruise’s character pick up a Sports Illustrated with my Eric Dickerson cover story. It was an unforgettable, almost unbelievable moment of seeing my work recognized in popular culture.
Tom Cruise in “A Few Good Men”, holding a Sports Illustrated with Peter King’s cover story.
What I Will Miss About the NFL Life
There are aspects of this profession I will genuinely miss. The training camp tour, with its in-depth access and insights, was always a highlight. The thrill of writing a story that resonates with readers is unparalleled. The opportunity to travel across America and witness the diverse landscape and culture has been a privilege. Inside draft rooms, observing the decision-making process firsthand, provided unique learning experiences. And finally, working with young writers and contributing to their development has been a deeply rewarding part of my later career. It’s been fulfilling to see young talents like Jenny Vrentas, Robert Klemko, and Emily Kaplan flourish in the industry.
What I Won’t Miss: The Grind
However, there are aspects of the job I am ready to leave behind. Mock drafts, particularly those done months in advance, feel like busywork and a misallocation of time. The relentless research for mock drafts in April consumed too much time and energy. Writing late into the night, consistently past 2 AM, while necessary, is a routine I am happy to retire. And the pressure to generate content during the slow period between the draft and training camp, often filling space with less meaningful stories, is something I will not miss.
Johnny Manziel, a player often discussed during draft season.
Team Overlooked in 2024: The Miami Dolphins
Before concluding, I want to share a thought about a team I believe might be underestimated in the 2024 season: the Miami Dolphins. My conversation with Coach Mike McDaniel in Frankfurt highlighted the unique team culture and innovative approach in Miami. McDaniel described a play that initially failed repeatedly in practice but was ultimately successful in a game, emphasizing the team’s trust in the process and resilience. This anecdote perfectly encapsulates the Dolphins’ mindset: embracing vulnerability, trusting the coaches, and maintaining intensity regardless of immediate outcomes. This approach, focused on process and innovation, leads me to believe the Dolphins are poised for a strong season and could challenge the top teams in the AFC.
Quick Thoughts on the Near Future of the NFL
Looking ahead briefly:
- Tom Brady will likely excel in the Fox booth. His dedication and work ethic, evident throughout his playing career, suggest he will approach broadcasting with the same level of commitment.
- The Chicago Bears are likely to trade the top draft pick. Trading down could provide them with a wealth of draft capital to build a stronger supporting cast around Justin Fields.
- I have reservations about the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024. Their success hinges on Jalen Hurts stepping up as a leader.
- Jason Kelce, if he retires, will be a highly sought-after media personality.
- Justin Herbert faces significant pressure in 2024 to lead the Chargers to postseason success, especially with the arrival of Jim Harbaugh.
Other Thoughts of the Week: Media, Books, and More
- Book Recommendation: “The Lede: Dispatches From a Life in the Press” by Calvin Trillin. A compelling collection highlighting the importance of media and insightful reporting.
- Calvin Trillin and Edna Buchanan exemplify relentless journalism and the crucial role of the media as a watchdog.
- “Gary Robinson died hungry.” Edna Buchanan’s iconic lede demonstrates impactful and concise writing.
- Ben Solak’s writing on the Buffalo Bills, comparing their suffering to Sisyphus, showcases creative sports commentary.
- Beer of Choice: Budweiser, a simple classic that evokes nostalgic ballpark memories.
- Coffee Preferences: Starbucks Italian Roast for a strong daily brew and Hound and Mare’s New York Maple Latte in Ithaca, NY.
- Wine Recommendation: Robert Mondavi 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, a perfect pairing with pasta.
- Story of the Future: Katherine Sayre’s Wall Street Journal article on gambling addiction, “A Psychiatrist Tried to Quit Gambling. Betting Apps Kept Her Hooked,” serves as a stark warning about the dangers of online sports gambling.
- Portugal’s approach to drug addiction as a health issue, not a crime, offers a potential model for reducing overdose deaths.
- Protest of the Week: Kansas City moms advocating for gun reform after the Super Bowl parade shooting.
- Support the annual Combine Meetup/Fundraiser at Sun King Brewing in Indianapolis, hosted by Kalyn Kahler, benefiting Million Meal Movement.
- RIP to Flaco the owl, a New York City icon.
- Thank you to Annie Koeblitz for her invaluable contributions to my work at NBC.
It is bittersweet to conclude this chapter, but I am filled with anticipation for the unknown future. Thank you, readers, for your incredible support throughout this journey. Your readership has been the driving force behind FMIA Peter King, and I am eternally grateful.
Training camp: a key part of the NFL year and Peter King’s reporting.
