Kevin Robert Wildes is an American sports television producer, personality, sports radio talk show host, and podcaster. Wildes currently serves as a co-host on Fox Sports 1's First Things First (FTF) alongside Nick Wright and Chris Broussard.
Kevin Wildes | |
|---|---|
| Born | Kevin Robert Wildes 1977 or 1978 (age 45–46)[1] |
| Alma mater | La Salle University |
| Occupation(s) | Sports television producer and host |
| Notable credit(s) | SportsNation NBA Countdown The Jump First Things First |
| Spouse |
Libby Geist (m. 2011) |
Early and personal life
editWildes is a native of Groton, Connecticut.[2] Wildes graduated from La Salle University in Philadelphia.[1] In 2011, he married his wife, Libby Geist.[1]
Sports broadcasting career
editTelevision
editWildes worked as a coordinating producer on ESPN2 shows SportsNation and Numbers Never Lie.[1] Additionally, Wildes also served as a coordinating producer Winners Bracket, a part of ESPN Sports Saturday.[1] Wildes also has producing credits on Olbermann, Grantland Basketball Hour, and It's the Shoes.[3]
While at ESPN, Wildes became the Vice President of Original Content for NBA Studio Production.[4] He supervised production for NBA Countdown, and also launched and developed The Jump.[4][5] Wildes also launched and developed Detail by Kobe Bryant for ESPN+.[4]
Later, in 2018, Wildes served as the executive producer for ABC's GMA Day when it launched.[4][6]
In 2020, Wildes joined FS1 to be an on-air host on First Things First.[3][4] As of 2024, Wildes remains in that role.[7]
Podcasting
editIn 2013, Wildes and David Jacoby co-hosted the Grantland podcast Half-Baked Ideas.[8] Wildes has appeared on multiple podcasts hosted by Bill Simmons. While with ESPN, Simmons hosted The B.S. Report, on which Wildes appeared.[9] Wildes has also made guest appearances on Simmons' eponymous sports podcast.[10][11] Wildes contributes to the "Half-Baked Ideas" segment on Simmons' podcast.[2]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e "Libby Geist, Kevin Wildes". New York Times. September 18, 2011. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
- ^ a b "Kevin Wildes Bio & Career Accomplishments". Fox Sports. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
- ^ a b Maglio, Tony (February 27, 2020). "Longtime TV Producer Kevin Wildes Replaces Cris Carter on FS1's 'First Things First'". TheWrap. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
- ^ a b c d e Steinberg, Brian (February 27, 2020). "Kevin Wildes, Longtime ESPN Producer, Goes On Camera for Fox Sports". Variety. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
- ^ Carfado, Ben (October 13, 2016). "ESPN NBA Countdown: Jalen Rose, Chauncey Billups & Tracy McGrady to Join Host Michelle Beadle" (Press release). ESPN Press Room U.S. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
- ^ Petski, Denise (August 2, 2018). "ESPN's Kevin Wildes Joins 'GMA Day' As Executive Producer". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
- ^ Tornoe, Kevin (August 31, 2022). "Fox Sports adds LeSean McCoy, WFAN and ex-WIP host Craig Carton to FS1 lineup". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
- ^ "Half-Baked Ideas Podcast: David Jacoby and Kevin Wildes". Grantland. December 1, 2013. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
- ^ "The B.S. Report: Bill Simmons and Kevin Wildes". ESPN. September 27, 2012. Retrieved September 25, 2021.
- ^ Simmons, Bill; Jacoby, David (June 1, 2022). "NBA Finals Angles With David Jacoby and Kevin Wildes. Plus, Jon Bernthal's Return to the Pod". The Ringer. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
- ^ Simmons, Bill; Jacoby, David (June 1, 2022). "A Kevin Wildes–Dave Jacoby Reunion, Plus Freddie Gibbs Finally Comes On". The Ringer. Retrieved September 25, 2022.