ESPN radio host and Lake Highlands resident
Matt Mosley is just a regular guy, someone you might run into at the divey diner near a college football stadium, though he would probably be mic’d up and offering his game day analysis into the lens of a TV camera. The famous Lake Highlands resident, best known at the moment for his afternoon ESPN radio show alongside Tim Cowlishaw, grew up in Kaufman, Texas where he “starred in” basketball and tennis, he says. He went on to Baylor, the Dallas Morning News and made his way around the broadcasting and sports writing world until he became one of the industry’s most respected voices (don’t let his self-deprecating tone fool you).
In what did you major in college, and did you ever consider another path?
I majored in speech communication/history at Baylor and then enrolled at Baylor law school. The level of study required quickly caused me to seek a different path. Lately I’ve bemoaned the fact I didn’t become a homicide detective. But maybe re-watching “The Wire” is causing that.
What made you pursue journalism and sports?
My paternal grandmother, Alda, was a prolific and talented writer. Maybe it rubbed off on me a bit. I coached basketball at a private school while in college. I just knew I needed to stay close to my passion. Editors like Bob Yates and Mark Konradi allowed me to make a ton of mistakes. I’m eternally grateful.
The Advocate once called you an “Award-winning sports writer” — what awards have you won?
I fear you don’t have the space to list all the awards. OK, you have plenty of space. I won an award from the American Heart Association for a story I did on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). And my so-called big break was the 2003 Baylor basketball scandal. We won an award for our coverage at the DMN and it was probably what led to me covering the Cowboys for the DMN.
Are you content? Do you have more aspirations?
I’ve yet to meet a content writer. I’m content with my amazing wife Meredith and daughter Parker, but I’m always searching for what’s next career-wise. I love doing radio for 103.3 FM ESPN and I’m thrilled to be writing for Texas Monthly Magazine and the DMN’s site.
What do you most like about your current gigs?
More than anything, I love trying to entertain folks. I had a great mentor and colleague in Randy Galloway and he genuinely loved making folks laugh. I’ve tried to carry on that legacy.
Many of your contemporaries have written books — do you plan to? What sports book did you enjoy the most?
Feels like you’re book-shaming me. Do I have to mention Tim Cowlishaw’s “Drunk on Sports?” I was not mentioned in that book. I’m quite grateful for that, in fact. I’d like to write a children’s book at some point. I probably need to do it while my daughter’s still a little girl.
Tell us about the difference between working with Tim Cowlishaw and your former co-host Randy Galloway.
Tim is less volatile than Randy. Both of them are dear friends. Can we get back to discussing me?
You are a Baylor fan and alum — does this mean you are religious? Working in an industry that can get wild and contentious, does faith/religion interfere or impact your work?
I’ve always felt like my faith helps me in this career. I know we have a lot of different beliefs in our listening audience. I try to be respectful of everyone. I’ll never force my faith on anyone. But I don’t feel any need to hide it. It’s a large part of who I am.
Do you belong to a church around here?
I’ve been a member at Wilshire Baptist for 17 years. My pastor and good pal George Mason writes for this publication. I can only imagine how much someone of his intellect is costing you guys.
Where does your daughter go to school?
Our 9-year-old daughter Parker goes to Highlander School. Her grandmother, Barbara Floyd, taught there. My wife Meredith attended the school. It’s just an amazing place. But I’ll be ready for some free tuition in seventh grade.
Your wife seems well liked in the community — what makes her special to you and to the neighborhood?
She just finished up her term as president of the Junior League of Dallas. She was one of the founding members of the Lake Highlands Junior Women’s League. She was quite successful in the corporate world. And she brought that to her volunteer work.
You’ve done some charity work, like with Healing Hands Ministries — why is that important to you?
Actually Meredith sort of covers us both charity wise. I’ve served on the North Lake Highlands YMCA board of directors for several years. My daughter and I have taken advantage of the Y Princess program. I speak at some local meetings, although none of them have asked me to join.
Are you into any sports yourself?
I have taken up cycling. It’s so great to speed past all the joggers at White Rock.
You tweet a lot about TV and movies, like, recently, HBO’s “The Night Of” — favorite TV series/movie and why?
Cowlishaw hated “Night Of.” It didn’t have enough subtitles for him. I enjoyed the first season of “Bloodline” before things bogged down in Season 2. “The Wire” is unbelievable for folks who didn’t see it. And of course “Game of Thrones” is a guilty pleasure, although I’ve nearly checked out several times.
Favorite places to eat in Lake Highlands?
We remain faithful to JG’s Old-Fashioned Burgers, although Shady’s has grabbed my attention lately. I also like Offshores Nextdoor, Atomic Pie and Resident Tacqueria. Things are hoppin’ over there.
Who are your idols, in general, or people who inspired you?
I looked up to old sportswriters like Dan Jenkins and the late Blackie Sherrod. It was a great joy in life to have become friends with Frank Luksa. We played some golf together. I loved everything about him. And Norm Hitzges got me started in the business. Of course, Randy and Tim are up there.
Story you are most sick of covering/talking about?
I should say the current Baylor scandal. But I think it›s important not to shy away from it. My alma mater has to learn from this and try to set an example for how to provide a much safer environment for women.
What are your favorite sports blogs or just things to read, in general?
I devour The New Yorker every week. Love the movie reviews from Anthony Lane and David Denby. I read the DMN every day. Old habits die hard. I’ve been checking out Bill Simmons’ new site The Ringer quite a bit. And there’s s new site about Baylor sports called Sic’em 365. My name might pop up on there soon.
Your thoughts when Tony Romo was seriously injured before the season began?
I do hate it for Tony because he was poised to have a big season. But I take pride in having jumped on the Dak Prescott bandwagon several months ago. I had the reins. Now everyone is claiming him.
Will the rise of information on concussions and related health problems change the look of football — high school, professional — in the coming years or next generation?
I think the numbers of kids playing football is already dropping. We love the sport too much for it to disappear, but it will be different a decade from now. The research will be such that parents will have an extremely tough time allowing their kids to play. We’re probably already there.