By Hank Tatum
Ernie Johnson Jr. in the Georgia On Your Mind studio at Grady College at the University of Georgia
Ernie Johnson Jr. has simply done it all when it comes to sports media. You may recognize him from his coverage of the National Basketball Association as the host of TNT’s show, “Inside The NBA”. As a graduate of the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia, Johnson is one of UGA’s best – ranging from his work in broadcast journalism to his mentorship for future generations of journalists.
Johnson joined the Georgia On Your Mind team for Season 3: Built By Bulldogs to discuss his illustrious career and give us an in-depth look at his impact since walking through The Arch in Athens, Georgia.
Born on Aug. 7, 1956, Johnson began his broadcasting career in the early 1980s, working as a sports anchor for local news stations before joining Turner Sports in 1989.
He has covered a wide range of sports, including MLB, the PGA Tour, and college basketball, but is most recognized for his role on “Inside the NBA,” where his leadership and camaraderie with analysts Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith have made the show a fan favorite.
Johnson has won multiple Sports Emmy Awards and is known for his professionalism, quick wit, and storytelling ability. Off the air, he is an advocate for adoption and cancer awareness, having shared his experiences with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and his family’s adoption journey in his memoir Unscripted: The Unpredictable Moments That Make Life Extraordinary.
When speaking to Johnson in episode 1 of Season 3: Built By Bulldogs, his passion for his craft was clear. Having spent years, working his way back to Atlanta, Johnson describes the moment he finally got the job offer to return home, where his dad had spent his career calling Atlanta Braves baseball.
“It’s like winning the World Series, it was like winning the Super Bowl.”
Johnson provided insight into what it takes to succeed, not only in broadcast journalism but in any walk of life. Finally, as his career begins to come to a close, Johnson shared what it is that he wants his legacy to be when he is off the air and others remember his work and life.
A Sports Broadcasting Hall of Famer, Johnson’s influence extends beyond the screen. His passion for people, his advocacy for adoption and cancer awareness, and his commitment to excellence make his story one worth hearing.
🎙 Listen to Episode 1: Ernie Johnson Jr: Voice of a Generation, available wherever you get your podcasts.
📖 Explore more of Johnson’s work in his book, Unscripted: The Unpredictable Moments That Make Life Extraordinary – available here.