Written Pieces

“eBay acquires Goldin, sells vault to Collectors.” April 10th, 2024. In a long-awaited and rumored move, eBay acquires collectible marketplace Goldin and sells vault to Steve Cohen-owned Collectors Holdings, the parent company of card grading giant PSA.

“First U.S. pro women's rugby league announces plans for '25.” April 10th, 2024. First fully-professional, full-sized U.S. women’s rugby league to launch in 2025.

“Lakers NBA title ring Kobe Bryant gifted to father sells for $927K.” April 1st, 2024. In 2000, Kobe Bryant won his first of five NBA championships and, as a thank you, had an identical copy of his title ring made for his father, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant. In 2013, the elder Bryant and wife, Pam, sold that ring to Goldin Auctions for $173K; in late March 2024, it sold for $927K.

“Shohei Ohtani sports card grading outpaces MJ, LeBron and others.” March 20th, 2024. Card grading giant PSA notes that, since the beginning of 2023, there have been more Shohei Ohtani cards graded than any other athlete, active or retired — including the pulse of the industry, Michael Jordan.

“Topps announces first ever March Madness trading cards.” March 18th, 2024. Topps, under Bowman brand, releases first ever March Madness trading cards.

"UConn forward Aaliyah Edwards inspired by Huskies legends.” February 9th, 2024. Feature on UConn women’s basketball forward Aaliyah Edwards on her legacy as the great stabilizer in Storrs and what it all would mean to her late brother.

“Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. named 2024 Topps Series One cover star.” January 22nd, 2024. Star Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr., off his MVP 2023, was named Topps Series One cover star headed into the 2024 MLB season.

“1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth rookie card nets $7.2 million.” December 4th, 2023. An early 1900s Baltimore paperboy kept a Babe Ruth rookie card in his family for 107 years; now it’s the third most expensive sports card of all-time.

“Victor Wembanyama's NBA debut jersey sells for record price.” November 21st, 2023. Victor Webmanyama’s debut NBA jersey, worn in the second half, became the most expensive NBA jersey worn in a debut all-time at $762,000; it was believed it would sell for roughly $100K.

“As Nashville SC's Hany Mukhtar goes, so goes MLS.” November 7th, 2023. German-born 2022 MLS MVP Hany Mukhtar has been the league’s most dominant player since coming stateside in 2020. He’s not a wunderkind Big Five European leagues look to poach, nor is he over the hill, but he’s exactly what MLS needs: Cornerstones who want to spend their prime soccer years in the United States.

“Shares in Mickey Mantle's boyhood home soon on sale for $7.” October 19th, 2023. Rally Rd., a fractional ownership collectibles company, purchased Mickey Mantle’s childhood home in Commerce, OK. Now they’re offering up shares, or part-ownership, in it. They hope it becomes northeastern Oklahoma’s Graceland.

“Tom Brady jersey from 700th TD game sells for $1.2M at charity auction.” October 2nd, 2023. A jersey from the game Tom Brady threw his 699th & 700th touchdowns in — December 12th, 2021 against the Buffalo Bills — sold for $1.2 million at a charity auction over the weekend. It very nearly broke the all-time record for an NFL jersey.

“Chamberlain's 1972 Finals jersey fetches $4.9M at auction.” September 28th, 2023. Wilt Chamberlain jersey from 1972 NBA Finals — where he won his only Finals MVP Award; title was Lakers’ first in L.A. — sells for almost $5 million, a record for vintage (pre-1980) NBA memorabilia.

“Fanatics files countersuit to Panini America's antitrust lawsuit.” August 7th, 2023. Fanatics files countersuit in New York district court in response to Panini America’s antitrust lawsuit filed in Florida on August 3rd.

“Heat stroke, air quality prompt concerns for athlete safety.” August 3rd, 2023. (Co-written with Dan Murphy.) Amid the hottest summer on record, a look at the legislative shortcomings that are putting America’s youth athletes at risk and what can be done to keep them safer.

“Panini America alleges Fanatics has created monopoly in card industry.” August 3rd, 2023. Panini America files lawsuit in Florida district court alleging that Fanatics has created “an entirely new monopoly spanning multiple leagues and multiple players associations" in the sports card industry.

“The Messi Effect: New Miami star brings big business to MLS.” August 1st, 2023. The far-reaching business of Messi and what it means for Inter Miami, MLS and the global football world at large.

“Mint 1970 Pete Maravich 'tall boy' basketball card nets $552K.” July 7th, 2023. “Tall boy” Pete Maravich rookie card sells for more than $550K. It was one of seven 1970 Topps cards to break an all-time record in the same PWCC auction.

“Wilt Chamberlain rookie home jersey sells at auction for $1.79 million.” June 18th, 2023. Jersey from Chamberlain’s dominant rookie season became the most valuable pre-1980 basketball item ever sold.

“Michael Jordan's 'Flu Game' sneakers auctioned for $1.38 million.” June 15th, 2023. MJ’s “Flu Game” sneakers from Game 6 of the 1997 NBA Finals hit the $1 million mark.

“Last Wayne Gretzky-worn NHL jersey sells for $715,120 at auction.” June 12th, 2023. Jersey from Wayne Gretzky’s final NHL game sells for more than $715K, a record for any U.S.-based hockey jersey and the third most expensive hockey jersey of all-time.

“Can Champions League final performance rival Super Bowl's halftime?” June 9th, 2023. Since Pepsi sponsored its first UCL Final pre-match performance in 2016, they’ve tried to mirror the Super Bowl halftime show … to incredibly meager returns despite four times the global viewing audience. What gives?

“Karl Malone nets $5M from his 1992 'Dream Team' collection.” May 26th, 2023. Karl Malone sold off his personal autographed Dream Team collection, including signed jerseys and sneakers.

“Fanatics continues push into collecting space, acquires PWCC.” May 22nd, 2023. Fanatics Collectibles acquires PWCC Marketplace, an auction house and vault for collectibles, as they move further into collectibles.

“Bill Russell rookie card goes for $660,000 at auction.” May 12th, 2023. The card became the third-most-expensive vintage (pre-1980) basketball card of all-time.

“Mike Trout-signed Little League ball sold for $15,000.” April 24th, 2023. This week, a home run ball hit and signed by a 12-year-old in 2004 sold for more than $15K at auction. That 12-year-old was Mike Trout.

“The cannon and the question: Will Levis is confident he can quiet NFL draft doubts.” April 23rd, 2023. As a high school senior, Will Levis wasn’t even a top-600 recruit. He toiled in obscurity for two years as a gadget quarterback at Penn State and found purchase as a transfer at Kentucky in 2021. Now, the week of the 2023 NFL Draft, everyone thinks they’ve figured him out: He’s either a franchise star or a bust-in-waiting. Levis thinks he’s something else though: Future GOAT.

“Michael Jordan 'Last Dance' sneakers sell for record $2.238M.” April 11th, 2023. Signed, game-used Michael Jordan sneakers from the second half of Game 2 of the 1998 “Last Dance” NBA Finals sold for $2,238,000 — an all-time record paid for sneakers.

“Babe Ruth bat sells for record $1.85M after 'photographic corroboration.’” April 5th, 2023. A Babe Ruth bat that was purchased for $400,800 in 2018, after lengthy photo-matching process confirms Ruth used the bat in his historic 1921 season, sells for $1.85 million — a new record for a baseball bat, publicly or privately.

“MLB players to wear official debut uniform patches.” March 30th, 2023. Fanatics Collectibles and Topps partnered with MLB to create first game-worn memorabilia patch specifically created to be inserted into sports cards. Every MLB rookie debutant in 2023 will wear one and the patch will be inserted into a Topps card to be named later.

“Nike, Puma to stop using kangaroo leather in soccer boots, all products.” March 13th, 2023. Two of sportswear’s biggest brands, less than two weeks apart, make statements that they’ll no longer be using kangaroo leather on products after 2023.

“Joe Montana's 'The Drive' jersey sells for record $1.212 million.” March 2nd, 2023. A jersey Joe Montana wore in two different Super Bowls just became the most expensive NFL jersey of all-time, unseating Tom Brady in the process.

“One Orioles prospect's dad's hunt for a unique baseball card.” March 1st, 2023. Eric Fabian spent $450 trying to find a specific Orioles prospect’s first official MLB rookie card: his son’s. At his son’s wedding, the night before, he pulled one, snapped a picture, and shared it to the Internet. Then sports card Twitter got involved … and the floodgates opened.

“Mariners' Julio Rodriguez named cover star of 2023 Topps Series One.” February 14th, 2023. Exclusive with Topps announcing Julio Rodriguez as Topps’ Series One cover star.

“Kobe Bryant jersey from MVP season sells for over $5.8 million.” February 9th, 2023. A signed Kobe Bryant jersey, worn during his lone MVP season in 2007-08, sold for $5,849,700 with Sotheby's, the second most expensive basketball jersey ever sold and a record for a Bryant item.

“LeBron James jersey from Game 7 of '13 Finals goes for $3.7M.” January 27th, 2023. Jersey worn by James in the first half of Game 7 of the 2013 NBA Finals sold for $3.7 million.

“Aaron Judge's record-breaking 62nd HR ball sells for $1.5M.” December 18th, 2022. The man who caught Aaron Judge’s home run ball was offered $3 million for it. He turned it down and sent the ball to auction. It sold for half that — and it was still the second-most expensive baseball of all-time.

“Congress weighs ban of kangaroo leather used in soccer cleats.” December 17th, 2022. Bill H.R. 917 introduced in the 117th Congress would ban kangaroo products for commercial use on a federal level in the U.S. — which would upend the global soccer footwear market. It could also spell environmental and political catastrophe.

“How USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner went from walk-on to the World Cup.” November 22nd, 2022. As once-Fairfield University goalkeeper Matt Turner prepped for Qatar and starting at the 2022 FIFA World Cup for the U.S. men, he reflected on the blunder that almost made him quit the sport in 2013 and the tragedy that devastated his family a year ago.

“Luka Doncic rookie card sells for record $3.12 million at auction.” November 18th, 2022. Luka Doncic RPA Logoman, numbered 1-of-1, sells for $3.12 million — down from the $4.6 million it sold for in March of 2021. It still set an all-time record.

“Ty Cobb bat from rookie season sells for $1.075 million.” November 14th, 2022. Bat from Ty Cobb’s rookie season sells for $1,074,544 at auction, one of the five most expensive baseball bats of all-time — per Grey Flannel Auctions.

“Game-used Babe Ruth glove sells at auction for record $1.53 million.” November 12th, 2022. Babe Ruth glove gifted to Jimmy Austin sells for a world-record $1.53 million, the most ever paid for a baseball glove.

“Silver medal of man who lost to Jesse Owens sells for $488K.” October 17th, 2022. Luz Long’s silver medal from the 1936 Olympics sells for almost half a million dollars, becoming most expensive Olympic silver ever sold at public auction.

“MLS Cup playoffs Round One preview and predictions: Who's moving on to the conference semifinals?” October 14th, 2022. MLS Cup first round predictions and analysis. Co-written with Jeff Carlisle, Kyle Bonagura, Bill Connelly, Dan Hajducky, Cesar Hernandez and Austin Lindberg.

“New York Yankees prospect Jasson Dominguez stars in a bold new world of sports card prospecting.” October 4th, 2022. A look at the lucrative world of sports card prospecting, zooming in on Yankees minor league star Jasson Dominguez — who recently had his uber-rare rookie card sell for $447,000, the most ever for a player yet to appear in AA ball.

“No longer Tom Brady's final regular-season-touchdown football, keepsake still sells for $129,657 at weekend auction.” September 19th, 2022. Tom Brady’s final pre-retirement touchdown pass ball sells for nearly $130K — a far cry from the more than $500K it originally sold for (nullified sale) after Brady’s retirement.

“Michael Jordan 'Last Dance' jersey from 1998 NBA Finals sells for record $10.1 million at auction.” September 15th, 2022. Jersey that Jordan wore in Game 1 of the 1998 “Last Dance” Finals sets all-time record for item of sports memorabilia at $10.091 million, only the second eight-figure sports collectible ever.

“Joe Scally's Gladbach ascent has U.S. defender on the World Cup radar, and rightly so.” September 2nd, 2022. In four years, Long Island’s own Joe Scally went from MLS youth academy to starting Bundesliga defender. Now he’s in consideration for the USMNT’s World Cup roster ahead of Qatar.

“1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card sells for $12.6 million, shattering record.” August 28th, 2022. For third time in a year, all-time sports card record is broken … this time, by more than $4 million,

“USWNT Players Association celebrates equal pay, historic CBA with trailblazing new collection.” August 23rd, 2022. The newly formed U.S. Women’s National Team Players Association Official Store released its first jersey, paying tribute to their landmark pay equity CBA.

“Americans in Europe: Where the USMNT's World Cup hopefuls are playing across the Atlantic.” August 17th, 2022. Ahead of the 2022 World Cup, a check-in on the most likely USMNT roster, where they stand on their club teams, and the most recent developments.

“Bobby Bonilla's infamous New York Mets contract sold for $180K at auction.” August 7th, 2022. Bobby Bonilla’s contract — and package of experiences/memorabilia — sells with Goldin for $180,000, just a month after Bonilla Day.

“Rare T-206 Honus Wagner baseball card sold for record $7.25 million in private sale.” August 4th, 2022. A T-206 Honus Wagner set the new all-time record for most expensive sports card sale at $7.25 million — despite a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle, up at Heritage Auctions, nearing $8 million with three weeks to go.

“Inside the wild, monthslong chase for the LeBron James triple Logoman card, feat. Drake.” July 28th, 2022. How a LeBron James card became the first to be worth multiple millions the second it was pulled from a pack — and the industry-wide Willy Wonka-esque hunt to find it. (Also appeared on ESPN Daily on August 4th, 2022.)

“How inflation is affecting your wallet at the ballpark concession stand this season.” July 24th, 2022. Look at 2022 MLB concession prices and how supply chain distribution has been affected by near-unprecedented inflation.

“Aggressive MLS expansion hinges on global football's bread and butter: The derby day.” July 15th, 2022. As MLS prepares to expand to 29 teams in 2023, one thing becomes clear: The league is all-in on derbies.

“Stephen Curry collectibles market stays hot as NBA Finals Game 1 jersey sells for $203,330 in 101-bid auction.” Jersey worn in Curry’s record-setting Game 1 first quarter of the 2022 NBA Finals sells for more than $200K.

“Panini Flawless Triple Logoman LeBron James card sells for $2.4 million including buyer's premium.” June 26th, 2022. 2020-21 Panini Flawless Triple Logan LeBron James 1-of-1 card sells for $2.4 million, well below predicted sale price for arguably the most promoted sports card sale of all-time.

“Record-breaking Michael Jordan rookie card sells with Christie's for over $1 million.” June 14th, 2022. Rare, record-breaking Michael Jordan rookie card sells for $1.008 million with Christie’s.

“Walker Zimmerman's USMNT journey: How faith and fortitude helped him become America's best center-back.” June 7th, 2022. Nashville SC and USMNT center back Walker Zimmerman has quickly become America’s best center back … and it’s all part of His plan.

“Wayne Gretzky's final Edmonton Oilers jersey sells for record $1.452 million.” June 5th, 2022. Gretzky’s final Oilers jersey becomes most expensive NHL jersey of all-time.

“Second, controversial, 1-of-1 Tom Brady rookie card sells at auction for $396,000.” May 20th, 2022. The catch regarding the 2000 Fleer Showcase Masterpiece Tom Brady 1-of-1 rookie card that sold at auction for $396K? There are two of them.

“Jackie Robinson bat from 1949 All-Star Game sells for $1.08 million at auction.” May 1st, 2022. The bat used by Jackie Robinson during the 1949 MLB All-Star Game in Brooklyn sold for $1.08 million (including buyer's premium) at auction Saturday, collectibles marketplace Goldin announced.

“Damaged T206 Honus Wagner card sells for $1,528,066 at auction.” April 26th, 2022. A T206 Honus Wagner card — trimmed, missing three sides, wielding a massive crease across its middle — sold for $1,528,066 Tuesday after a 17-day auction with Robert Edward Auctions.

“How Bill Russell's rare memorabilia took years to reach the collectibles market.” April 21st, 2022. Fifty-three years after his retirement, the sale of Boston Celtics great Bill Russell’s memorabilia has his legacy rippling through the ether once more.

“Agreement reached to nullify $518K sale for Tom Brady's 'final' touchdown ball.” April 18th, 2022. Sale of $518,000 Brady “final” TD ball voided by mutual consent. (Days after publishing, this was the Trending desk’s second-highest trafficked story — 1.2 million views — of 2022.)

“UEFA expands Topps deal, replaces Panini as producer for Euro cards, stickers, collectables.” April 6th, 2022. Breaking news on expansion of Topps’ UEFA deal, including the 2024 and 2028 editions of the EURO, the Women’s EURO 2025 and the Nations League Finals through 2028.

“The unstoppable drive of Chris Wright, the first NBA player with MS.” March 30th, 2022. On the ten years anniversary of his diagnosis, Chris Wright — the first known NBA player with multiple sclerosis — is still thriving in Europe. Better yet: He’s medication-free.

“USMNT World Cup qualifying roundtable: Can injury-hit squad do what is needed to reach Qatar?” March 23rd, 2022. A look at the USMNT’s last slate of World Cup Qualifying with Jeff Carlisle, Ryan O’Hanlon, Kyle Bonagura and Bill Connelly.

“MLS Power Rankings: LAFC and Philadelphia Union prove they're the cream of the West and East's crop.” March 21st, 2022. Week 4 power rankings for MLS teams, written with Jeff Carlisle.

“Jackie Robinson '47 debut ticket stub sells for record $480K; Michael Jordan '84 debut ticket fetches $468K.” February 27th, 2022. Breaking news on two record-setting collectable ticket sales.

“2022 MLS team previews: What has your club been up to? What would be a successful season?” February 25th, 2022. MLS team previews ahead of 2022 season.

“Kobe Bryant card latest basketball card to break $2 million threshold for sale.” February 22nd, 2022. Rare 1997-98 Kobe Bryant card sells for $2 million, one of roughly half a dozen basketball cards to eclipse that threshold.

“Pele rookie card becomes soccer's first $1 million card, sells for $1.33 million.” February 12th, 2022. Pele rookie card sells for $1.33 million, becomes soccer’s first million-dollar card.

“Half of a T206 Honus Wagner card sells at auction for $475,960.” February 6th, 2022. A T206 Honus Wagner card — the most famed sports card in existence — sold for half a million this weekend. The catch? It was ripped in half.

“Tom Brady rookie card sells on eBay for $2.3 million, third-most expensive football card ever.” February 2nd, 2022. How Brady’s retirement sent eBay collectors into a frenzy, including a $2.3 million rookie card sale — the third-highest sum ever paid for a football card.

“Game-worn Tom Brady Tampa Bay Buccaneers jersey sells for record $480K.” January 10th, 2022. Breaking news on Tom Brady jersey sale for $480,000, the most ever paid for a game-used NFL jersey.

“Fanatics acquires Topps' trading cards and collectables businesses.” January 3rd, 2022. Breaking news on Fanatics buying Topps for $550 million.

“Ticket stub from Michael Jordan's NBA debut sells for $264K, a record for a sports ticket.” December 17th, 2021. Breaking news on ticket stub from Michael Jordan’s NBA debut became the highest-selling collectable sports ticket stub of all time, going for $264,000 (including buyer’s premium).

“MLS playoffs Round 1 preview and predictions: Who's moving on to the conference semifinals?” November 18th, 2021. Along with Jeff Carlisle, Kyle Bonagura, Caitlin Murray, Danny Guerra and Austin Lindberg, previewed and predicted MLS Cup Playoff Round 1 matchups.

“2021 MLS awards: Are record-setting Revs' Gil, Arena the league's best? Can any youngsters rival Pepi?” November 10th, 2021. Voted — along with Jeff Carlisle, Kyle Bonagura, Alejandro Moreno, Danny Guerra and Austin Lindberg — for Major League Soccer’s 2021 end-of-year awards.

“MLS Designated Players: Which teams are getting the most bang for their buck in 2021?” October 26th, 2021. Devised a “Bang for Buck” formula — raw offensive output vs. expected output, proportional to salary — to evaluate Major League Soccer’s crop of Designated Players in 2021.

“Serena Williams rookie card goes for $44,280, a new record price for female-athlete card at auction.” October 25th, 2021. Serena Williams dual-patch, on-card rookie autograph sells for $44,280, the most ever paid for a women’s sports card.

“Michael Jordan game-worn rookie sneakers sell for record $1.47M.” October 25th, 2021. Game-worn Nikes from Michael Jordan’s rookie season sell for $1.47 million, the most ever paid for game-worn footwear.

“Card's sale for $2.7 million sets Michael Jordan-item record.” October 11th, 2021. 1997-98 Upper Deck Michael Jordan on-card patch auto sells for $2.7 million, most expensive Jordan item ever, with Goldin Auctions.

“Autographed 'Shoeless' Joe Jackson photograph from 1911 sells for $1.47 million.” October 7th, 2021. Breaking news on signed “Shoeless” Joe Jackson photo sale from Christie’s.

“USMNT World Cup qualifying roundtable: Team on track? Berhalter safe? Players with stock up / down?” September 10th, 2021. Roundtable reaction to first three games of USMNT’s CONCACAF 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifying.

“MLS midseason awards: New England the best team, Carles Gil for MVP, Andre Blake best goalie, more.” September 2nd, 2021. Midseason voting on Major League Soccer’s Best Team, Coach, MVP, Newcomer, and more.

“ESPN Daily - Card Tricks: Why Topps Got Toppled + The $6.6 Million Record-Setter.” August 26th, 2021. “In the world of trading cards, one company’s loomed large: Topps. But this week, a company known for sports apparel, Fanatics, outbid Topps for the right to make cards with Major League Baseball. It also made deals with the NBA and NFL, and this major shakeup in sports memorabilia is worth billions of dollars. Dan Hajducky covers collectibles for ESPN. He shares his reporting on the Fanatics coup, plus the Honus Wagner card that sold for $6.6 million.”

“Fanatics strikes deal to become exclusive licensee for MLB cards.” August 19th, 2021. Breaking news on, after 70 years, Topps losing the ability to produce baseball cards. (Also ran on ABC News’ website the same day.)

“The Honus Wagner T206 is the sports card GOAT, and it always will be.” August 16th, 2021. (Co-written with Tisha Thompson.) Deep dive into the mythology of the T206 Wagner as it sets the new all-time record for most expensive sports card at $6.606 million. (Appeared on The Darren Smith Show and “The Beat of Sports” on 96.9 The Game in Orlando to discuss feature/news.)

“T206 Honus Wagner baseball card sells for $6.606 million, shattering previous record.” August 16th, 2021. Breaking news on record for all-time most expensive sports card, a T206 Honus Wagner at $6.606 million.

“Patrick Mahomes autographed card sells for $4.3 million, most ever for a football card.” July 28th, 2021. Breaking news on record for most expensive football card of all-time at $4.3 million.

“Sports memorabilia continues to boom. What the NFT happened?!” July 27th, 2021. State of the sports card industry piece ahead of the 2021 National Sports Collectors Convention.

“Los Angeles Angels’ Shohei Ohtani lands exclusive memorabilia deal with Fanatics.” July 20th, 2021. Breaking news exclusive on superstar Shohei Ohtani’s newest endorsement.

“Sporting Kansas City's Gianluca Busio aiming to chart his own path amid interest from Europe.” July 14th, 2021. Feature on Sporting KC’s Gianluca Busio as he navigates the U.S. men’s national team, transfer rumors, and succeeding as the MLS’ youngest player since Freddy Adu.

“Mia Hamm rookie card sells for $34,440, a record for a female athlete card.” June 28th, 2021. Breaking news about Mia Hamm card that set a record for most expensive card for a female athlete.

“Hall of Fame-bound Tamika Catchings and our conversation that affirmed everything.” May 15th, 2021. Essay about Tamika Catchings and what she meant to one hearing-impaired Connecticut boy. (Appeared on ESPN Daily podcast on May 17th, 2021.)

“Inside the mysterious world of missing sports memorabilia.” May 7th, 2021. Stories about seven of the most coveted missing items from sports history.

“LeBron James rookie card sells for record $5.2 million.” April 27th, 2021. Newser about the record-tying LeBron James rookie card sale and its industry ramifications.

“Hobby searches for answers as PSA grading service halts card submissions.” April 15th, 2021. (Co-written with Tom VanHaaren.) Taking a look at the PSA grading shutdown and how it will ripple through an entire industry.

“Mickey Mantle baseball card shatters record, sells for $5.2 million.” January 14th, 2021. Breaking news about the world record for a sports card being shattered.

“How Zack Steffen went from Bundesliga dropout to U.S. men’s national team ‘crown jewel.’” November 15th, 2020. Zack Steffen is poised to hold the USMNT No. 1 jersey for the next decade — which is just as important to him as the role he plays off the field: activist.

“For ‘The All-American Cuban Comet,’ patriotism and protest are one and the same, just like 50 years ago.” October 27th, 2020. On the day his SEC Storied documentary premieres, Carlos Alvarez looks back on how he went from Cuban emigre to All-American athlete.

“How Ken Griffey Jr.’s mad dash home in 1995 saved baseball in Seattle — and ignited a Yankees dynasty.” October 8th, 2020. Twenty-five years after Ken Griffey Jr. raced home on Edgar Martinez’ “The Double,” what endures is not only one of the greatest playoff games in baseball history, but the very soul of Seattle.

“How the coronavirus, the internet and tons of money unexpectedly fueled sports cards' biggest boom.” October 2nd, 2020. How the sports card industry came back from the dead and, against all odds, thrived amid a global pandemic. (Appeared on ESPN Daily podcast on December 29th, 2020 to discuss feature with Pablo S. Torre.)

“‘Love and Basketball’: An oral history of the film that changed the game.” April 21st, 2020. An oral history on Love & Basketball on its 20th anniversary.

“Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the best MLS Designated Player of all-time? We make the case.” October 13th, 2019. Since David Beckham came to the United States in 2007, there have been hundreds of Designated Players; Zlatan might be the best of them all.

“Kekuta Manneh’s long and winding road to Cincinnati.” August 8th, 2019. At 15, Kekuta Manneh left everything he knew in Gambia in search of soccer glory abroad. He had no idea what was in store for him.

“A Netflix-ish Guide to the Tour de France.” July 5th, 2019..

“2019 Women’s World Cup Rank: Top 25 Players at the World Cup.” June 5th, 2019. Ranked top 50—whittled down to 25—players appearing at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. Wrote final digital blurbs for France’s Wendie Renard and Amel Majri.

“2019 Women’s World Cup Previews.” May 31, 2019. Wrote digital blurbs for team previews of Group A of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup: France, South Korea, Norway, Nigeria.

“World Fame 100.” March 12th, 2019. Wrote digital blurbs on Andres Iniesta, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Radamel Falcao, David de Gea, Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, David Luiz, Alexis Sanchez and Chicharito.

“French freestyler Lisa Zimouche is the nutmeg queen.” March 11th, 2019. (Shared on Good Morning America on April 5th, 2019.)

“Don't define Miami's Dejan Vasiljevic as only a 3-point shooter.” February 3rd, 2019.

“The Dominant 20.” December 11th, 2018.

“Move over, Batman; Neymar’s tattoos come alive in his new comic book series.” October 30th, 2018. Feature on Neymar becoming the world’s newest superhero.

"Andrew Peterson was born to run." July 1st, 2018. Feature on Andrew Peterson, the three-time Special Olympics medalist and Indianapolis-area runner who overcame fetal alcohol syndrome to qualify for the Boston Marathon.  

"Hey, Let's Cheer for Brazil." June 18th, 2018. Collaboration with ESPN FC's Gus Elvin and ESPN The Magazine's Sach Chandan about the chances of a World Cup champion coming out of the CONMEBOL region and detailing how dominant Brazil was in qualifying. 

"World Fame 100." May 23rd, 2018. Wrote digital blurbs on Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, James Rodriguez, Paulo Dybala, Luis Suarez, Sergio Aguero, David Luiz and Thiago Silva.

"The Dominant 20." March 20th, 2018.

Lindsey Vonn Dataviz. February 24th, 2018.

"Jack Harrison's unconventional path back to the Premier League." February 2nd, 2018. Feature on winger Jack Harrison's journey from Manchester United's youth academy, to a Massachusetts boarding school, Wake Forest, Major League Soccer and back to England. Published a day after Harrison's transfer from NYCFC to Manchester City.

Stadium Food Deconstructed. Took over food page of ESPN The Magazine in August of 2017. Q&As include: Skuna Bay Salmon Crudo (U.S. Open); Fat Rooster Hot Chicken Sandwich (New York Giants & New York Jets); 1919 Elk Stroganoff (Green Bay Packers); Turkey, Brie and Mustarda Sandwich (Detroit Lions); Purple Grip (Minnesota Vikings); Creme Brûlée French Toast (Boston Red Sox); Adobo Bao (New York Yankees); Old Bay Rotisserie Chicken (LAFC); Pork Al Pastor Bowl (Phoenix Mercury); Watermelon Salad (U.S. Open); Vietnamese Noodle Salad (Portland Timbers.

Documentaries

“Alive: The Drew Robinson Story.” Researcher in credits.

“Dream On.” 30 for 30 documentary on 1995-96 USA Women’s Basketball team. Research in credits.

Content

“Why Alyssa Thompson's path to stardom shifted into hyperspeed.” May 24th, 2023. Angel City FC’s star-to-be Alyssa Thompson copes with having stardom thrust upon her and the subsequent sacrifices that burden her young adulthood.

“Jamal Crawford to Paolo Banchero: Inside the miraculous making of the Seattle-to-NBA pipeline.” October 24th, 2022. Edited Kade Krichko’s longform feature on Seattle basketball, Paolo Banchero and how two locals turned a gym into a bona fide NBA factory line.

“A life of remarkable resolve: The story of Shaul Ladany, survivor of the Holocaust and Munich massacre.” September 20th, 2022. Edited Jeremy Schaap’s feature accompanying “The Survivor,” an E60 documentary.

“The rare Tom Brady rookie card hiding in the English countryside.” Filmed piece on a 2000 Playoff Contenders Brady signed rookie card that’s sitting in a vault in Derbyshire, England.

“Iraq War veteran Will "Akuna" Robinson is the trailblazing superstar of thru-hiking.” November 11th, 2021. Pitched this story — in October of 2019 — about the first Black man to complete the nearly 8,000-mile Triple Crown of Hiking. Written by Matt Gallagher, photos by Andy Bardon.

“Zoom captioning matters: Reporter Dan Hajducky shares his story of hearing loss.” October 15th, 2021.

“A fans guide to abiding the LOL Mets.” October 6th, 2021. Pitched and edited Devin Gordon’s feature on the New York Mets’ hapless 2021.

“Olympics 2021: USWNT's Rose Lavelle emerges as a reluctant star.” July 25th, 2021. Pitched and edited Liz Merrill’s feature on USWNT star Rose Lavelle.

“Messi at Barcelona: The Ultimate History.” May 19th, 2021. Provided writing and research help.

“WNBA’s 25 Most Defining Milestones.” May 11th, 2021. Contributed reporting to piece.

“Jay Bilas’ college basketball rankings for 2019-20, version 4.0.” March 11th, 2020. Contributed blurbs.

“From Tiger to Jordan: The 49 greatest ESPN The Magazine stories.” September 6th, 2019. Conceived original idea, contributed blurb.

“Fairfield’s Sam Kramer: Dad’s ‘love pushes me forward.’” March 6th, 2019. Edited and coordinated essay of Fairfield University junior point guard Sam Kramer about the sudden passing of her father the day after Christmas of 2018.

ESPN FC's World Cup Rank. June 12th, 2018. Part of a panel of 80 who voted on the best 50 players at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

"2017 Body Issue: Confidential."  July 7th, 2017. ESPN.com, ESPN The Magazine. Reporting.

"A Tour de Force: Behind the numbers of the world's most grueling sporting event." July 25th, 2016. ESPN.com. Reporting.

Pitched Stories

“Twins’ Max Kepler leading baseball’s charge into Europe.” by Steve Wulf. June 27th, 2019.

"Maria Sharapova's return may be biggest test yet." by Shaun Assael. April 25th, 2017.

"How a routine groundball makes Jose Altuve's MVP case." by Hallie Grossman. September 22nd, 2016.