Hurry up little lady…
I was a junior in college and an intern at ABC 33/40. I really do remember it like it was yesterday. I wore this high waist black skirt, black blouse, green blazer, black patent peep toe pumps and completed my look with TV helmet hair. I’m pretty sure mom even took a picture of me, because I was living at home for the summer, driving 3 miles up the road to the TV station.
Our intern director sat us down, went through the formalities of expectations and yada, yada, yada.
We were supposed to rotate through the newsroom, sports department, among others, to get our feet wet with different departments of the TV biz. Buttttt in the back of my head, all I could anxiously think about is how I want to walk into that sports office and never come out.
However, being the Rosie the rule follower I am, I obliged and spent my first day in a newsroom.
Plane crash. A family of four tragically died on my first day in the field. The mom, dad, son, son’s girlfriend, all gone. I was on location for 12 hours that day.
I’ll never forget the emotions I felt.
Was I ready for this?
Is this what I really wanted to do?
Was I willing and able to ask questions to those in their most vulnerable moments for a news story?
I couldn’t stomach it…
The story circulated the next couple of days, over the airwaves, and I knew it was time. It was time to take the bull by the horns, and introduce myself to the sports department.
And on the second day… I did. And never walked out…
I introduced myself to Mike Raita and Jeff Speegle over at ABC 33/40 in Birmingham, Alabama. With little to no hesitation Speegs took me out on my first interview, and this wasn’t just any interview.
For this college football nerd, I was about to interview one of my all time favorite coaches. I idolized who he was on and off the field. He was a legendary icon.
Oh, and icing on the cake? This particular interview was taking place on a golf course, conveniently one of my most favorite spots.
Enter Bobby Bowden.
THE Bobby Bowden.
Birmingham’s own, Bobby Bowden. He is one of the winningest college football coaches of all time.
It was summer, I was sweating profusely and my heart was jumping out of my chest. This was it. This was my first official interview on the job and I have no idea how it could ever be topped. Sink or swim, kid. Sink. Or. Swim.
“Hi there little lady!” in his genuine, southern charm.
In that moment, all immediate fear subsided. How could I be nervous when the sweetest old man (sorry, coach!) approaches you like that?
We talked about the usual: family, faith and football. I think I blacked out because it was all so genuine and authentic to be true. But it was.
I remember his presence and how cheerfully he looked to be on the course playing a game he loves, with one of his closest pals. Moreover, I remember how he made me feel like I was truly someone special, and like I had already made it.
He was so gracious, kind, and present.
Here is what I distinctively remember, because a conversation like this is one you never forget…
You hold onto those moments because you’ll never make it in our business without them.
They inspire and reenergize you.
“What do you want to be when you grow up? I can say grow up, because I’m old.” – BB
“Well, coach. I want to keep doing this. I want to work for ESPN, stay in sports broadcasting, keep interviewing people like yourself and telling their stories.” – NNP
“Well little lady, that was a mighty fine interview you did just there and I think you’re on your way. I think you’ll interview me again, but you better hurry up, because I’ve got one foot in the grave.” – BB
“(Probably blacks out again) Sounds good, Coach. I’ll see you soon.” – NNP
I’ll never forget that day, our conversation, and will always be grateful for Jeff Speegle giving me an opportunity of a lifetime. It was a moment that reenergized me personally, professionally, and spiritually. Speegs paid it forward when he could’ve done that interview on his own with his eyes closed. I was an intern and Bobby Bowden was my first official interview. I remember thinking it’s only downhill from here, right?
People say they experience running highs and I wouldn’t know, because, well, yeah. But I’m sure what I experienced that day is what those monsters who run long distance experience when they hit the runner’s high. You feel like you’re on top of the world and you can accomplish anything.
I read “the Bowden way” for my sports management final in my senior year at Alabama and the content just hit different.
Fast forward to 2011… I’m in Tuscaloosa for the infamous LSU-ALABAMA game. Remember?The single digit game? The defensive shootout?
Bobby is no longer head coach at FSU. It was the year of the rematch, when Alabama won the national title vs LSU in New Orleans. Well, I saw him in the tunnel of Bryant Denny before kickoff.
Niki being Niki, I walked up to him and reintroduced myself. He said he remembered that day, and our conversation on the golf course. I’m sure he was being polite and doesn’t actually remember - but again, I remember how he made me feel. Special.
I thanked him again for the interview (and picture, because there’s a special place and frame in your office for the first ever interview) I told him how in that moment, I got to experience my dream. And now I’m living my dream, with the dream job.
“I’m working with ESPN now, coach. I’m hosting a TV show and that’s why I’m here.”
“I knew it wouldn’t take long. It’s good to see you little lady. Take care.”
May God bless that sweet, sweet, man.
- NNP