Q & A With Evan Washburn of CBS
At the age of just 30, South Baltimore resident Evan Washburn is a sideline reporter for the NFL on CBS. Washburn has enjoyed a quick rise in the broadcasting profession since finishing a decorated lacrosse career at the University of Delaware that included an appearance in the 2007 Final Four and accolades as an all-conference defender.
Washburn was eyeing a career in Major League Lacrosse (MLL) but tore his ACL in the final game of his college career. At that point he decided to put his entire professional focus on a career in broadcasting. Along with NFL and college basketball duties with CBS, Washburn is a professional and college lacrosse analyst and former host of a show called Inside the MLL.
Learn more about Evan Washburn in this SouthBMore.com Q & A:
Evan, tell us about the career path that has led to you working the sidelines for NFL games on CBS.
It has been a wild ride to this point over the last six years, but I consider myself extremely lucky. I started in the business in 2009 as an intern with Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic and from day one I tried to put myself in as many situations as possible to learn every aspect of the sports broadcasting industry, including being in front of the camera and behind it. Over a four-year period with CSN I was able to do a number of jobs and learn the nuts and bolts of reporting and producing.
My relationship with CBS started as a lacrosse analyst in the spring of 2011 for CBS Sports Network and grew over the next three years. I was lucky that they gave me the opportunity to prove myself in positions other than just as a lacrosse analyst. That started with college football in 2012. This season CBS decided to add sideline reporters to its NFL coverage and again I was given a great opportunity.
What are some of the different sporting events you get to cover and what are your different broadcasting roles?
My primary role is with CBS and CBS Sports Network as a reporter for its NFL and college basketball coverage, along with college and professional lacrosse as an analyst. I have had a few opportunities as a host as well. The most unique event I have been to in the last year was the U.S. Open of Surfing, which was great.
Is there any type of dream position in the broadcasting industry you would love to land?
Covering the NFL has been a dream come true. My hope is to continue to cover the league as long as possible. I would love the opportunity to also be a part of our NCAA basketball tournament coverage. It’s a staple of the sports calendar.
Any recommendations for students and professionals looking to enter into a career in broadcasting?
Say yes to everything and be patient. The more experience you have the better off you will be and things never happen as quickly as you would hope.
I often relate sports broadcasting to the restaurant business. To be a successful restaurant owner, you need to understand every role in the restaurant from bus boy to chef. In sports broadcasting the more you can do, the better luck you will have. Also, relationships are very important, it is actually a very small world and your reputation is crucial.
Tell us about the growth of lacrosse and what it can do to continue to grow in popularity at the professional level?
Lacrosse is a sport on the rise. More youth and high school programs are popping up every day across the country. It’s a great sport and I love seeing more kids playing. The connection to that growth and the popularity of the professional game is not as simple. Professional lacrosse is fantastic product. The players are the best in the world and approach the game with that type of preparation. However, the professional game still needs improved attendance and funding so that the players can commit all their time to the sport. My hope is that the larger fan base that the sport needs will be created with all the young kids across the country growing up with lacrosse as their primary sport.
I’m sure there isn’t another community in the country with as many professional lacrosse players as SoBo. Tell us about the lacrosse community here and how often you run into the same athletes you cover in Major League Lacrosse.
There are so many current and former professional players in South Baltimore that it’s impossible not to run into guys. I often see current players on flights to and from games out of BWI. A close second would be the Harris Teeter in Locust Point.
It’s a great resource for me, because the more you can see and talk to the stars of the sport, the better you will be as an analyst or reporter.
What do you love about living in Locust Point and South Baltimore?
My wife and I have been in Locust Point for about a year and half and before that we were in Federal Hill for three years. I love the convenience of South Baltimore, everything you need is either within walking distance or short drive. We love to go out to dinner and I think there are number of great restaurants in the city. Locust Point is a quiet community with a great park, which is clutch for our three-year-old black lab. I’m lucky enough to travel to nearly every city in the country and while Baltimore doesn’t have everything, it’s perfect for us.
About the Author: Kevin Lynch
Founder and Publisher of SouthBmore.com, longtime resident of South Baltimore, and a graduate of Towson University. Diehard Ravens and O's fan, father of three, amateur pizza chef, skateboarder, and "bar food" foodie. Email me at Kevin@InceptMM.com and follow me on Twitter at @SoBoKevin.
