History of Adam Schefter in Timeline

Adam Schefter is a prominent American sports writer and reporter, best known for his role as an NFL insider at ESPN since 2009. He holds journalism degrees from the University of Michigan and Northwestern University. Prior to joining ESPN, Schefter gained experience writing for newspapers, including The Denver Post, and also worked at the NFL Network. His career is characterized by providing breaking news and in-depth analysis related to the National Football League, making him a widely recognized figure in sports journalism.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

December 21, 1966: Adam Schefter Born

On December 21, 1966, Adam Schefter, an American sports writer and reporter, was born.

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June 1985: High School Graduation

In June 1985, Adam Schefter graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in Bellmore, New York.

1989: University of Michigan Graduation

In 1989, Adam Schefter graduated from the University of Michigan.

June 1990: Northwestern University Graduation

In June 1990, Adam Schefter graduated from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.

September 1990: Joined Rocky Mountain News

In September 1990, Adam Schefter started writing for the Rocky Mountain News after an internship at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

July 1996: Joined The Denver Post

In July 1996, Adam Schefter began writing for The Denver Post.

2000: Birth of Devon

In 2000, Devon, Sharri Maio's son with her first husband, Joe Maio, was born. Devon later became Adam Schefter's stepson.

2001: President of Pro Football Writers of America

In 2001, Adam Schefter served as President of the Pro Football Writers of America until 2002.

2002: End of term as President of Pro Football Writers of America

In 2002, Adam Schefter concluded his term as President of the Pro Football Writers of America, a position he had held since 2001.

2004: Joined NFL Network

In 2004, Adam Schefter joined the NFL Network, appearing on NFL Total Access and writing for NFL.com.

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2005: Cameo in The Longest Yard

In 2005, Adam Schefter had a cameo appearance in the movie The Longest Yard.

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2007: Married Sharri Maio

In 2007, Adam Schefter married Sharri Maio, whose first husband died in the 9/11 attacks.

2008: Sideline Reporter for NBC

In the summer of 2008, Adam Schefter worked as a sideline reporter for Al Michaels and John Madden during two NBC broadcasts: the Redskins–Colts Pro Football Hall of Fame Game and the Redskins–Jaguars preseason finale.

January 19, 2009: Named Best NFL Insider by USA Today

On January 19, 2009, a USA Today survey of fans indicated that Adam Schefter of the NFL Network was considered the best NFL insider, slightly ahead of ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

August 17, 2009: Began Appearing on ESPN

On August 17, 2009, Adam Schefter began appearing on-air as a football analyst with ESPN.

2009: Joined ESPN

In 2009, Adam Schefter began working as an NFL insider for ESPN.

October 2010: Included in Sports Illustrated "Top 40"

In October 2010, Sports Illustrated writers included Adam Schefter in its "Top 40," a listing of the NFL's top officials, executives, coaches, players, and media members.

November 2010: Selected as Best NFL Insider by USA Today

In November 2010, Adam Schefter was once again selected as the best NFL insider in a USA Today fan poll.

November 2011: Voted Best NFL Insider by USA Today

In November 2011, Adam Schefter was voted USA Today's best "insider" for the third consecutive year.

2011: NFL Lockout

In 2011, the NFL Lockout occurred, which Adam Schefter wrote an article about that caused controversy in June 2021.

2014: Received Multiple Media Awards

In 2014, Adam Schefter was named the "Most Influential Tweeter in New York" by New York magazine in February, "Best Newsbreaker" by Awful Announcing in May, and SI.com’s “Media Person of the Year.”

July 9, 2015: Tweeted Medical Chart Photo

On July 9, 2015, Adam Schefter tweeted a medical chart photo indicating that Jason Pierre-Paul had his right index finger amputated, leading to controversy.

November 2015: Cynopsis Sports Media Personality of the Year

In November 2015, Adam Schefter was named The Cynopsis Sports Media Personality of the Year.

February 5, 2016: Hospital Staff Fired for HIPAA Violation

On February 5, 2016, two individuals were fired from Jackson Memorial Hospital after an investigation revealed they violated HIPAA laws related to the leak of Jason Pierre-Paul's medical information.

February 2016: Pierre-Paul Sues Schefter and ESPN

In February 2016, Jason Pierre-Paul sued Adam Schefter and ESPN for breach of privacy related to the publication of his medical information.

January 2017: Accepted Advisory Board Position and Stepped Down

In January 2017, Adam Schefter accepted an unpaid position on the advisory board of the Pacific Pro Football League, but soon stepped down to avoid any perception of a conflict of interest.

February 2017: Launched 'Know Them From Adam' Podcast

In February 2017, ESPN Audio launched Adam Schefter's "Know Them From Adam" podcast, featuring long-form conversations with newsmakers connected to football. He is also an annual "NFL Combine Football Career Conference" speaker.

February 2017: Lawsuit Settled

In February 2017, Jason Pierre-Paul and ESPN settled the lawsuit related to the publication of Pierre-Paul's medical information by Adam Schefter.

2017: Joined NBA on ESPN Team

In 2017, Adam Schefter joined the NBA on ESPN team as a sideline reporter for multiple games, with his first assignment being February 15 between the New York Knicks and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

2018: Released 'The Man I Never Met'

In 2018, Adam Schefter's book about his wife's first husband and his experience joining the family, titled The Man I Never Met, was released.

June 2021: Email to Bruce Allen Filed in Court

In June 2021, an email Adam Schefter sent to Bruce Allen in June 2021, regarding an unpublished article about the 2011 NFL lockout was filed as an exhibit in federal court, leading to criticism about journalistic ethics. The message included a draft of an unpublished article about the 2011 NFL lockout which Schefter asked Allen to review and suggest changes to.

September 2021: Investment in Sports Gambling Company Questioned

In September 2021, Timothy L. O'Brien of Bloomberg reported that Adam Schefter had invested in the sports gambling company Boom Entertainment, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest in his reporting.

2022: Criticism for Tweet About Dwayne Haskins's Death

In 2022, Adam Schefter faced criticism for his initial tweet about Dwayne Haskins's death, which was considered insensitive. Schefter later apologized and posted a video tribute.