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Jourdan Rodrigue
Carolina Panthers beat writer at The Charlotte Observer
Jourdan Rodrigue is a prominent sports journalist currently serving as a senior writer for The Athletic, where she covers the Los Angeles Rams and various NFL projects. She is recognized for her in-depth reporting and storytelling, including notable works like "The Playcallers" and "Finding Rams" podcasts, which highlight her expertise in football analytics and team dynamics.145
Background and Career
- Education: Rodrigue graduated from Arizona State University in 2014.
- Previous Roles: Before joining The Athletic, she covered the Carolina Panthers for the Charlotte Observer and contributed to The Athletic's NFL coverage.134 Her reporting has been characterized by a commitment to uncovering unique angles within the sport, often focusing on the human aspects of players and coaches.
Recognition
In 2021, she was awarded the Terez A. Paylor Emerging Writer Award by the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA), recognizing her as a rising star in sports journalism.1 This award highlights her innovative coverage during her first season on the Rams' beat, particularly during a time when traditional access was limited due to the pandemic.
Controversies
Rodrigue gained national attention in 2017 when she asked quarterback Cam Newton a question about routes during a press conference, leading to a sexist remark from Newton that sparked discussions about gender dynamics in sports journalism. This incident brought both Rodrigue's work and challenges faced by female reporters into the spotlight.23
Current Work
Today, Rodrigue continues to contribute significantly to sports journalism through her insightful articles and podcasts, earning respect for her dedication to providing comprehensive coverage of the NFL.45


