The Pony Express and a Legacy Forged
Born in Jacksonville, Texas, in 1961, Craig James’s journey through the world of football began with hardship. After his parents divorced, he moved with his mother and brother, Chris (who would later become an MLB player), to Pasadena, Texas. It was here, at Stratford High School in Houston, that James’s gridiron destiny began to take shape. A star running back, he carried his team to the 1978 Texas Class 4A championship. His performance that season – a staggering 2,411 rushing yards in just 15 games – etched his name into the Texas 4A football record books. James wasn’t just a one-sport wonder; he also excelled at baseball, even receiving a contract offer from the New York Yankees. But football, it seemed, had its hold on him.
Highly recruited upon graduating high school, James ultimately chose Southern Methodist University (SMU), citing his girlfriend (who later became his wife) as a major factor in his decision. It was at SMU that the legend of the “Pony Express” was born. Teaming up with Eric Dickerson, the duo became a force of nature on the field, shattering NCAA records and captivating fans with their electrifying runs. James’s time at SMU, however, wasn’t without its shadows. The 1980 Holiday Bowl against BYU, while culminating in a game-winning touchdown by James, saw him accused of spitting on a BYU player – an allegation he vehemently denied. This incident, though, would be an early sign of the controversies that would later follow him off the field.
From Gridiron to Broadcasting Booth: A Career of Contrasts
James’s professional career began in the USFL, where he was drafted fourth overall by the Washington Federals in 1983. He then went on to play for the NFL’s New England Patriots from 1985 to 1989. While his time in the NFL wasn’t marked by the same statistical dominance as his college years, James was a key contributor to the Patriots team that reached Super Bowl XX in 1986, ultimately losing to the Chicago Bears.
Transitioning from the field to the broadcasting booth, James initially worked as a radio analyst for SMU football games. He steadily rose through the ranks of sports media, landing prominent roles with ESPN as a college football analyst. His insights and, at times, polarizing opinions made him a recognizable figure in the world of sports commentary.
Controversy and the Price of Opinion: A Downfall Unfolds
Behind the scenes, a storm was brewing. The alleged role James played in the 2009 firing of Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach, who had coached James’s son Adam, brought a wave of scrutiny and accusations of abuse of power. It was, however, his foray into politics that would prove to be his most significant professional downfall.
In 2012, James, a staunch conservative, publicly announced his interest in entering politics. He ran for a Texas Senate seat, but his campaign was marred by controversial statements about LGBTQ+ issues, including this particularly damaging quote: “Being gay is a choice… I think it’s a wrong choice.” The backlash was swift and severe. ESPN, facing pressure from sponsors and a public outraged by James’s views, made the decision to terminate his contract in 2013.
James, alleging wrongful termination, sued ESPN in 2015. The lawsuit was unsuccessful. The controversy, however, had irrevocably stained his reputation, and his once-promising broadcasting career lay in ruins.
A Life After the Spotlight: Where is Craig James Now?
In the aftermath of his ESPN dismissal, James largely retreated from the public eye. While he has made sporadic appearances and remains active on social media, his focus seems to have shifted towards religious endeavors. Reports indicate that he has been involved with various ministries and even graduated from seminary.
Craig James’s story is a study in contrasts. A celebrated athlete who reached the pinnacle of his sport, he later stumbled through a broadcasting career marked by both success and ultimately, self-inflicted wounds. His tale is a reminder that the court of public opinion, particularly in the age of social media, can be swift and unforgiving. What began on the hallowed fields of SMU as a promising tale of athletic achievement ultimately morphed into a cautionary tale about the intersection of sports, fame, and the profound consequences of unchecked privilege.
