Best of Puck: A Sports Legend’s Second Act - pucks-the-powers-that-be Recap

Podcast: pucks-the-powers-that-be

Published: 2025-12-25

Duration: 52 minutes

Guests: Sally Jenkins

Summary

Sally Jenkins discusses her transition from The Washington Post to The Atlantic, reflecting on her illustrious career and the evolving media landscape. She shares insights into her future ambitions and candid views on the state of sports journalism.

What Happened

Sally Jenkins, a leading sports columnist, recently decided to leave The Washington Post after 30 years, accepting a buyout offer from Jeff Bezos. She is moving to The Atlantic, where she plans to continue her sports coverage and write in-depth features. Her decision was influenced by the maturity and history of The Atlantic and the leadership of Jeffrey Goldberg.

Jenkins reflects on her time at The Washington Post, noting her involvement in significant stories like the Len Bias incident. She discusses the challenges facing traditional media outlets, emphasizing the need for The Post to invest more in video and social media to maintain relevance in the digital age.

The episode also touches on Jenkins' views on sports figures like Bill Belichick, whom she describes as a teacher at heart. Belichick's ability to nurture talent in underestimated players, she believes, extends beyond football to life skills, highlighting his unique approach to coaching.

Jenkins critiques the LIV Golf series, which she describes as heavily subsidized by the Saudi government and lacking commercial viability. She predicts its eventual disappearance due to poor ratings and audience interest, contrasting it with the stable PGA Tour.

Her interest in genealogy has led her to explore the Manning family's history, noting the success of Archie Manning's sons, Peyton and Eli, and the potential of his grandson, Arch Manning, in college football.

The episode also covers Jenkins' personal background, including her early career at the LA Herald Examiner and the influence of her father, Dan Jenkins, a celebrated writer known for his book 'Semi-Tough.' This foundational experience shaped her candid and honest writing style.

Key Insights

• Sally Jenkins is transitioning from The Washington Post to The Atlantic after 30 years, influenced by the publication's history and Jeffrey Goldberg's leadership.
• Bill Belichick is recognized not just for his football coaching but for nurturing life skills in underestimated players, reflecting his role as a teacher.
• The LIV Golf series, heavily subsidized by the Saudi government, faces potential decline due to poor ratings and lack of audience interest, unlike the stable PGA Tour.
• Arch Manning, grandson of Archie Manning, is noted for his potential in college football, continuing the successful legacy of the Manning family.