Jeff Darlington rose to prominence at ESPN last year with his live coverage of Scottie Scheffler’s unexpected arrest during the PGA Championship, which could significantly impact his upcoming contract negotiation.
Joining ESPN in 2016 with a primary focus on the NFL, Darlington has recently expanded his repertoire to include golf coverage, notably during last year’s event in Louisville, where he was present when Scheffler was arrested outside Valhalla Golf Club. His reporting garnered widespread acclaim across the sports media landscape throughout the ordeal.
According to Michael McCarthy at Front Office Sports, Darlington’s ESPN contract is nearing expiration, and he could enter the open market later this summer.
ESPN faces a significant decision regarding star reporter Jeff Darlington. The Emmy Award–winning journalist was quick to respond during high-profile arrests, including Scottie Scheffler and Tyreek Hill, in 2024. With his contract set to expire late this summer, it’s uncertain if the 43-year-old NFL/golf reporter will explore free agency.
In 2024, ESPN expanded Darlington’s responsibilities to include golf, which proved to be a winning move. His audacious coverage of Scottie Scheffler’s arrest outside the PGA Championship last May earned him accolades both inside and outside the industry.
ESPN has displayed a dual approach regarding talent acquisition; they have swiftly locked down prominent personalities like Stephen A. Smith, Pat McAfee, and Jason Kelce while simultaneously making cost-cutting decisions, resulting in layoffs of well-known figures such as Robert Griffin III, Sam Ponder, and Zach Lowe.
The pivotal question for ESPN is determining how Jeff Darlington fits into this narrative. With his exceptional capabilities in both the NFL and golf, he has established himself as a rare asset. Given ESPN’s commitment to both sports and the significance of their major events, Darlington’s talents appear to align perfectly with the network’s goals. He is an outstanding reporter, and should he not renew with ESPN, other networks covering either sport would undoubtedly pursue his expertise.
