History of Adam Schefter in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 3, 2026

Adam Schefter is a prominent American sports writer and reporter, best known as an NFL insider. He holds journalism degrees from the University of Michigan and Northwestern University. Prior to joining ESPN in 2009, he gained experience writing for various newspapers, including The Denver Post, and working at NFL Network. At ESPN, Schefter has become a leading source of breaking NFL news, known for his extensive network of contacts and rapid reporting, making him a key figure in sports media.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

December 21, 1966: Adam Schefter's Birth

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

Others born on this day/year

June 1985: High School Graduation

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

1989: Graduation from University of Michigan

In 1989, Adam Schefter graduated from the University of Michigan and was an editor at The Michigan Daily.

June 1990: Graduation from Northwestern

In June 1990, Adam Schefter graduated from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism and worked as a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.

September 1990: Joins Rocky Mountain News

In September 1990, Adam Schefter moved to Denver and began writing for the Rocky Mountain News.

July 1996: Joins The Denver Post

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

2000: Birth of Sharri's Son, Devon

In the year 2000, Sharri's son Devon, with her late husband Joe Maio, was born, later becoming part of Adam Schefter's family.

2001: President of the Pro Football Writers of America

From 2001 to 2002, Adam Schefter served as President of the Pro Football Writers of America while at the Denver Post.

2002: President of the Pro Football Writers of America

From 2001 to 2002, Adam Schefter served as President of the Pro Football Writers of America while at the Denver Post.

2004: Joins NFL Network

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

2005: Cameo Appearance in The Longest Yard

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

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2007: Marries Sharri Maio

In 2007, Adam Schefter married Sharri Maio after meeting her on a blind date. This was Schefter's second marriage, and Sharri's first husband had 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.

January 19, 2009: Ranked Best NFL Insider

On January 19, 2009, a USA Today survey ranked Adam Schefter of NFL Network as the best NFL insider.

August 17, 2009: First On-Air Appearance on ESPN

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

2009: Joins ESPN

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

October 2010: Included in Sports Illustrated's "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: Again Selected as Best NFL Insider

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

November 2011: Voted Best NFL Insider for Third Year

In November 2011, Adam Schefter was voted USA Today's best 'insider' for a third straight year.

2011: Unpublished Article about NFL Lockout

Adam Schefter's email to Bruce Allen concerned a draft of an unpublished article about the 2011 NFL lockout.

2014: Named Most Influential Tweeter, Best Newsbreaker and Media Person of the Year

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: Tweets Jason Pierre-Paul's Medical Chart

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

November 2015: Named 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 for violating HIPAA laws related to Schefter's tweet.

February 2016: Sued by Pierre-Paul

In February 2016, Jason Pierre-Paul sued Adam Schefter and ESPN for breach of privacy.

January 2017: Accepts and Resigns from Advisory Board

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 a conflict of interest.

February 2017: Launches "Know Them From Adam" Podcast

In February 2017, ESPN Audio launched Adam Schefter's "Know Them From Adam" podcast.

February 2017: Lawsuit Settled

In February 2017, Jason Pierre-Paul and ESPN settled the lawsuit.

2017: Joins NBA on ESPN Team

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

2018: Releases "The Man I Never Met"

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

June 2021: Email to Bruce Allen Filed in Court

In June 2021, an email Adam Schefter sent to Bruce Allen was filed in court, revealing he asked Allen to review a draft article and was criticized for journalistic ethics.

September 2021: Investment in Boom Entertainment Questioned

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

2022: Criticism for Tweet About Dwayne Haskins's Death

In 2022, Adam Schefter was criticized for his initial tweet about Dwayne Haskins's death, which was deemed insensitive; he later apologized and deleted the tweet.