Skip Bayless is an American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality, renowned for his role on ESPN2's First Take alongside Stephen A. Smith until June 2016. Subsequently, he launched Skip and Shannon: Undisputed with Shannon Sharpe on Fox Sports 1 on September 6, 2016.
December 4, 1951: Skip Bayless is Born
John Edward Bayless II, who we know as Skip Bayless, was born on December 4, 1951.
1969: Bayless Interns at "The Daily Oklahoman"
Skip Bayless secured an internship in the summer of 1969 with "The Daily Oklahoman" under the supervision of sports editor Frank Boggs.
1970: Bayless Graduates High School
In 1970, Skip Bayless graduated as the salutatorian of Northwest Classen's graduating class.
1974: Bayless Graduates Vanderbilt
Skip Bayless graduated cum laude from Vanderbilt University with a degree in English and history in 1974.
August 1976: Bayless Joins the "Los Angeles Times"
Skip Bayless joined the "Los Angeles Times" in August 1976.
1977: Bayless Wins Eclipse Award
Skip Bayless received the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Newspaper Writing in 1977 for his reporting on Seattle Slew's Triple Crown win.
1979: Bayless Named Texas Sportswriter of the Year
The National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association named Skip Bayless Texas sportswriter of the year in 1979, marking his first time receiving this honor.
1984: Bayless Receives Second Texas Sportswriter of the Year Award
Skip Bayless wins his second Texas sportswriter of the year award from the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association in 1984.
1986: Bayless Earns Third Texas Sportswriter of the Year Title
For the third time, Skip Bayless is recognized as Texas sportswriter of the year by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association in 1986.
1989: "God's Coach: The Hymns, Hype and Hypocrisy of Tom Landry's Cowboys" is Published
Skip Bayless publishes his first book, "God's Coach: The Hymns, Hype and Hypocrisy of Tom Landry's Cowboys," exploring the trajectory of Tom Landry's Dallas Cowboys, in 1989.
1989: Bayless Joins ESPN's "The Sports Reporters"
Skip Bayless joined Dick Schaap as a panelist on ESPN's "The Sports Reporters" in 1989.
1991: Bayless Kicks Off Sports Talk Radio Show in Dallas
Skip Bayless commences a two-year stint as the host of a sports talk radio show on Dallas radio station KLIF in 1991.
1992: Bayless Joins "NFL Prime Monday"
Skip Bayless joined Mitch Albom and Michael Wilbon as part of the original debate team on NFL Prime Monday's "Knights of the Roundtable" segments in 1992.
1993: "The Boys: The Untold Story of the Dallas Cowboys' Season on the Edge" is Released
Following the Cowboys' Super Bowl victory, Skip Bayless authors and publishes "The Boys: The Untold Story of the Dallas Cowboys' Season on the Edge" in 1993.
1994: Bayless Invests in and Hosts on KTCK
In 1994, Skip Bayless became one of the original investors in Fort Worth radio station KTCK and hosted "The Skip Bayless Show."
1996: Bayless's Contract Bought Out by Cumulus Media
After Cumulus Media acquired KTCK in 1996, they bought out Skip Bayless's contract, leading to his departure from the station.
1998: Bayless Becomes Lead Sports Columnist for the "Chicago Tribune"
In 1998, Skip Bayless took on the role of lead sports columnist for the "Chicago Tribune."
1999: Bayless Provides Commentary for the Golf Channel
Skip Bayless lent his commentary to the Golf Channel's coverage of the major golf championships in 1999.
2000: Bayless Continues Golf Channel Commentary
Skip Bayless continued to provide commentary for the Golf Channel during their coverage of major golf championships in 2000.
2000: Bayless Named Illinois Sportswriter of the Year
Skip Bayless received the distinction of Illinois Sportswriter of the Year from the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association in 2000.
July 2001: Bayless Departs from the "Chicago Tribune"
Skip Bayless concludes his time at the "Chicago Tribune" in July 2001.
2001: Bayless Makes Appearances on Fox Sports Net
Throughout 2001, Skip Bayless made regular appearances on Jim Rome's "The Last Word" on Fox Sports Net, as well as Fox's "The Best Damn Sports Show Period."
2001: Bayless Becomes Guest Host on "The Jim Rome Show"
Skip Bayless stepped into the role of primary guest host for the syndicated radio program "The Jim Rome Show" in 2001.
2002: Bayless's Appearances on Fox Sports Net Continue
Skip Bayless continued his regular appearances on Jim Rome's "The Last Word" on Fox Sports Net and "The Best Damn Sports Show Period" in 2002.
2003: Bayless Becomes a Fixture on "Rome is Burning"
When Jim Rome moved to ESPN in 2003, Skip Bayless became a frequent presence on his show "Rome is Burning."
2004: Bayless Transitions to Television Full-Time
Skip Bayless made the move to television full-time in 2004, concluding his regular radio appearances.
2004: Bayless Joins ESPN Full-Time
Skip Bayless was hired full-time by ESPN in 2004 to participate in "1st and 10" segments on "Cold Pizza" and write for ESPN.com.
2006: Cameo Appearance in "Rocky Balboa"
In 2006, Skip Bayless, along with ESPN colleagues Woody Paige and Jay Crawford, appeared in the film "Rocky Balboa." They portrayed themselves on their "First and 10" segment, discussing a potential fight between Balboa and Mason Dixon, with Bayless dismissing Balboa as "overrated."
May 2007: "Cold Pizza" Rebranded as "First Take"
ESPN rebranded "Cold Pizza" as "First Take" in May 2007, with production moving to the network's Bristol, Connecticut headquarters.
2008: Inducted into Oklahoma City Wall of Fame
Skip Bayless was honored by his inclusion in the Oklahoma City Wall of Fame in 2008, acknowledging notable individuals from Oklahoma City public schools.
2009: Inducted into Vanderbilt Student Media Hall of Fame
In 2009, he became part of the inaugural class inducted into the Vanderbilt Student Media Hall of Fame.
2011: Featured in ESPNU Documentary "Herschel"
Bayless appeared in "Herschel," a 2011 ESPNU documentary about the life and career of University of Georgia running back Herschel Walker.
August 2012: Bayless Resumes Writing for ESPN.com
After a hiatus, Skip Bayless returned to writing columns for ESPN.com in August 2012.
2012: Sports Emmy Nomination and Webby Award Win
Bayless received two accolades in 2012: a Sports Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Sports Personality, Studio Analyst and a Webby People's Voice Award for "All He Does Is Win," a video remix featuring his defense of Tim Tebow, shared with DJ Steve Porter.
April 26, 2016: Bayless to Leave ESPN for Fox Sports
On April 26, 2016, news broke that Skip Bayless would be departing from ESPN and joining Fox Sports following the expiration of his ESPN contract in August.
June 2016: Bayless Leaves "First Take"
Skip Bayless departed from the ESPN2 show "First Take," where he was a commentator, in June 2016.
June 21, 2016: Bayless's Final "First Take" Appearance
Skip Bayless made his final appearance on "First Take" on June 21, 2016.
September 6, 2016: "Skip and Shannon: Undisputed" Premieres
Skip Bayless debuted his new show, "Skip and Shannon: Undisputed," alongside Shannon Sharpe on Fox Sports 1 on September 6, 2016.
September 2016: "Skip and Shannon: Undisputed" Premieres
"Skip and Shannon: Undisputed," featuring Skip Bayless and Shannon Sharpe, premiered on Fox Sports 1 in September 2016.
September 10, 2020: Bayless Sparks Controversy with Dak Prescott Comments
Skip Bayless faced criticism for remarks he made on September 10, 2020, about Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, particularly his comments suggesting that Prescott's openness about his struggles with depression was indicative of "weakness."
March 2021: Bayless Signs Lucrative Contract with Fox Sports
Skip Bayless secured a four-year, $32 million contract with Fox Sports in March 2021.
January 2, 2023: Skip Bayless's Tweet About Damar Hamlin's Injury Sparks Controversy
On January 2, 2023, Skip Bayless posted a tweet that was deemed insensitive regarding the postponement of the Bills-Bengals game after Damar Hamlin's injury, sparking criticism from figures like Robert Griffin III and Dez Bryant. Bayless later apologized, clarifying his concern for Hamlin's health.
August 2023: Bayless Relaunches "Undisputed" with New Co-Hosts
Following Sharpe's departure from "Undisputed," triggered by a personal comment made by Bayless, the show was relaunched in August 2023. The new lineup included Richard Sherman, Keyshawn Johnson, and Michael Irvin.