NFL reporter Mina Kimes recently shared an unexpected yet heartfelt story about how she landed her role at ESPN.
Highlighting the twists and turns of her career, the veteran sportscaster revealed this insight during her appearance as a contestant on "Celebrity Jeopardy!"
In a brief clip shared on her Instagram, Kimes opened up about a pivotal moment in her career which, surprisingly, involved the show's host, Ken Jennings.
"One of the highlights of going on Celebrity Jeopardy: I got to tell Ken Jennings about the role he helped play in shaping my career today. A full-circle moment for me!" she wrote.
In the video, the 39-year-old NFL analyst was asked by Jennings about their shared connection, despite never having met in person.
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Kimes, who had previously worked as a business journalist and investigative reporter, wrote a personal essay about how the Seattle Seahawks helped bring her and her father closer.
Since Jennings is also a big fan of the team, he reposted Kimes' tweet along with his "kind words" towards the article.
"I'm sure you don't remember this because this is about ten years ago," she said, to which the show's host responded, "I read it and I enjoyed it very much."
Little did she know that it would be the beginning of her journey at ESPN.
"I don't know how it found its way to ESPN," Kimes mentioned, "Maybe you resharing it and spreading it around, but they reached out to me."
According to Kimes, she left her current job at the time to join the network, and the rest is history for her.
Mina Kimes during the Pro Bowl Skills Challenge © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Interestingly, fans and industry people were moved by Kimes' story.
"LOVED this story. You rule," former ESPN host and former "Celebrity Jeopardy!" contestant Katie Nolan wrote.
"Stories like this remind me how good Twitter used to be. Good for you," a fan added.
"Cool story I didn't know that GO HAWKS," a user chimed in.
"Very cool story! You did a great job!" another remarked.
The ESPN host participated in the "Celebrity Jeopardy!" to raise funds for SELAH, a nonprofit neighborhood homeless coalition in Los Angeles.
Fortunately for her, she managed to win the round and will advance to the semi-finals.
Related: ESPN Reporter Mina Kimes Reveals Exciting Update
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This story was originally published March 14, 2025 at 6:11 AM.