GOODYEAR, AZ – Caleb Craig’s path into sports journalism wasn’t straightforward, which gives him that chip on his shoulder every day. As an undergrad at the University of Colorado Boulder, he majored in sports management. After graduating, Craig felt lost. Following a stint as a door-to-door salesman, he realized he needed to make a change while he was still young.
Craig always knew that he wanted to cover sports, but just never had the drive or opportunities to do so. He admits he always loved sports but never committed to covering them. For him, internships were something that would eventually “just happen” for him without applying himself. This mindset is something that he now openly says is what misguided him in his early twenties.
But what never lacked was his devotion to watching his favorite teams and favorite players time and time again. Craig described missing social events in undergrad to catch the big game, regardless of the team. Sports were never a casual viewing experience; it was that sense of being in the moment. That presence did come with frustration, thinking that he was not fit enough for the sports media industry. As his doubts built up, he distanced himself from consuming sports media for quite a while.
This turning point connects directly to where Craig is today. After graduating from college, he became a door-to-door salesman, a job he left following a nearby shooting while on the clock. That unnerving event forced Craig to reassess his career goals. It reinforced that passion is something that stays with you and ultimately led him to enroll at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism.
During his first semester, Craig found himself “thrown into the fire”. Access was not that simple to come by, while initiative was expected from the get go. At a prestigious school like Cronkite, he could feel that sense of intimidation as his peers accomplished more during their time in undergrad. That discomfort of exclusion made him work even harder. While others have impressive résumés, life experience, and perspective are just as important. Writing became that outlet that he branched to immediately.
One story that sticks with Craig was his final feature story that he wrote towards the end of the first semester. A high school football player had recently lost a close family member. It was handled carefully due to its emotional weight, and it earned a reaction that Craig was surprised by. The player personally thanked him, sharing how touching the piece was. To Craig, that gave him hope in this tough industry. As a complete novice to covering heavy topics, for Craig to bet that thanks does wonders for your well-being.
Today, his approach to commentary is built on trust, connection, and preparation. As a future journalist, accuracy and respect are nonnegotiable. Craig wants his interactions with the stars of the game to feel real, the kind he would have with family and friends. Caleb Craig is still finding his voice, as are most of our peers. Much like myself, still navigating a hectic life, honesty, humility, and determination will set Craig apart—even if his journey took more time to start.
