Tony Kornheiser

Anthony Irwin Kornheiser, born on July 13, 1948, in Long Island, New York, developed an early interest in journalism, serving as sports editor for his high school newspaper. He pursued an English literature degree at Harpur College (now Binghamton University), graduating in 1970. His professional writing career began in New York City, where he covered high school sports for Newsday from 1970 to 1976, and later worked for The New York Times between 1976 and 1979. In 1979, Kornheiser joined The Washington Post, initially as a general assignment reporter in both Style and Sports sections, and by 1984, he became a full-time sports columnist. He also contributed columns to the Post’s Style Section starting in 1989 and wrote ‘Parting Shots’ for ESPN The Magazine from 1998 to 2000.

Kornheiser’s distinctive writing style, characterized by sarcasm, humor, and self-deprecation through an italicized alter ego, earned him recognition as a witty columnist. A notable highlight of his print career was the creation of the ‘Bandwagon’ columns in 1991, which chronicled the Washington Redskins’ Super Bowl run. These columns, which he described as “the most fun I ever had as a writer,” became a popular Tuesday feature, celebrating the enjoyment of sports. His early columns were compiled into three books: ‘Pumping Irony’ (1995), ‘Bald as I Wanna Be’ (1997), and ‘I’m Back for More Cash’ (2002).

Transitioning into broadcasting, Kornheiser launched ‘The Tony Kornheiser Show’ on Washington D.C. radio in 1992, which later expanded nationally on ESPN Radio in 1998. In October 2001, he teamed with Michael Wilbon to co-host ESPN’s ‘Pardon the Interruption,’ a show that quickly gained popularity for its sports debate format and earned multiple Sports Emmy Awards. From 2006 to 2008, he served as a color analyst for ‘Monday Night Football,’ before his self-admitted fear of flying limited his travel for the role. In 2016, his radio show transitioned to a podcast-only format, allowing him greater creative control. His significant contributions to sports media were recognized with a Pulitzer Prize for Commentary finalist nomination in 1997, induction into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 2008, and the Washington, D.C. Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.