Mayock's Path

I always enjoy learning the stories behind the players, coaches and persons in football. From Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff's days on the Cleveland Browns grounds crew to Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier starting the Trinity College football program from scratch. Everyone has a unique story. I heard a little more about NFL Network announcer and draft guru Mike Mayock's story recently. Its a good one.

Unlike Mel Kiper, Mike Mayock did play football. He was a good college defensive back at Boston College. He hung around the NFL for a little while with the New York Giants. He fell into a real estate job when his football playing career ended and he was miserable. He knew that he wanted to be involved in football but didn't know where to begin. As a coaches son he had a solid football background. He broke down film with his dad as a kid and he'd always been around and played the game. Having gone to the same high school, but years apart, he blindly visited Steve Sabol at NFL Films. They made a short audition tape that he could show around. It didn't kick down any doors but it set Mayock on his preferred path.

He did get some broadcast work around New Jersey. Announcing high school games, sideline reporting at Princeton and Rutgers. Eventually he landed some work with the Canadian Football League and the ridiculous job of actually interviewing Wayne Gretzky's statue in Edmonton. He started his career climb in earnest as part of the #2 CBS college football broadcast team.

When the NFL looked to start its own network Mayock pursued and interviewed for the anchor of Total Access. Obviously that gig went to an ESPN refugee, Rich Eisen. Due to his strong understanding of football, the NFL Network wanted Mayock to be their "draft guy." Their version of Mel Kiper. A Mel Kiper that actually played and knows the game. Mayock was hesitant at first but accepted. It was an excellent choice as he is brilliant with the draft. He pushed the network to cover the Senior Bowl and the Combine. Both are now highlights of the NFL offseason. Its been fun watching him become more comfortable in the role and on TV in general. I rarely saw him smile in the early days. Now those smiles come easy. He's become so comfortable that he's now a big shot announcer too. He has the prime Notre Dame broadcasts on NBC, the NFL Network's Thursday Night games and most importantly the Minnesota Vikings preseason games. He's proven that it was a smart move to seek out Steve Sabol and start on his football path.