Meet Mike Yam | NFL Network Host and Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Yam and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I think I’m still evaluating what success means. I spent most of my life thinking success followed a linear upward trajectory. I’ve reshaped how I think about success. I don’t think it’s a vertical lineup; it’s actually a bubble. It’s about the positive impact we have in the sphere of people around us.
From a professional standpoint, I have really focused on trying to make the people around me better. As a host at NFL Network, I think my job is to make our analysts better. They have forgotten more football than most of us will ever know, and to me, it’s about making sure they shine by sharing their personal experiences while teaching the game.
When I decided to write the children’s book Fried Rice and Marinara it was a passion project centered on impact. I have always loved talking about sports, and when I was in college, I caught the on-air bug. To get the opportunity to talk about the NFL every day on NFL Network is a dream come true. The privilege of having this opportunity isn’t lost on me. During the course of my career, I have been fortunate to speak to students about a path in broadcasting. I have always been disheartened by the lack of Asian representation in media classes.
Aside from cultural factors, I believe the lack of widespread representation at high levels of sportscasting is a major reason why Asian American students are picking other career paths. Strengthening the pipeline is one of the ways I think this changes. If young kids can see themselves in stories, I think it can spark an interest in storytelling. It’s one of the many reasons why I wanted to write Fried Rice and Marinara

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I reflect back on my career path, I don’t think you’ll find a luckier sportscaster than me. I have had countless mentors and bosses who took a genuine interest in my success. I always felt indebted to anyone who gave me an opportunity – I didn’t want to let them down. However, 2020 was the most challenging of my professional years. After being at Pac-12 Network from its inception, it was hard to be told a contract extension was coming only to be let go. The experience was particularly difficult because a big part of my identity was intertwined with that network. During Covid, we all were watching news coverage wondering when life would return to normal. Aside from my family’s health, my biggest concern was whether I would get another opportunity to be on air. There was a period of time where I wrestled with the idea that my run as a broadcaster might be over. I started to think about life after broadcasting, but it was always so hard for me to let go. I spent most of my time that year reaching out to anyone I ever worked with and writing my first children’s book Fried Rice and Marinara. I realized I really loved writing stories, and through research, I’ve been disappointed seeing what is available for children. Most diverse stories have limiting narratives and use stereotypes as the backdrop. I know we can do better, and I’m excited for the release of my next book.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There’s no better way to start the day than with a workout at Barry’s Bootcamp—I’ve been going there for years and absolutely love it. For the post workout caffeine kick I highly recommend the coffee at Butterfly Cafe in El Segundo. If we’re looking for a healthy snack, Paradise Bowls in Manhattan Beach or Hermosa is always a win. For dinner and drinks, any of the Slay restaurants are my go-to choices. If my best friend is into art, I think the Getty Museum is one of the absolute gems in the country. We are lucky to have it so close.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am immensely proud of my parents, whose extraordinary journeys have profoundly shaped my life. My mother’s career is incredibly inspiring. Beginning as a nurse, she transitioned into academia and steadily rose through the ranks to become the president of Notre Dame of Maryland University. Her remarkable achievements and leadership have left an indelible mark on the school. I am incredibly proud of her long list of accomplishments and I know I won the “mom lottery.”

My father is the definition of resiliency. Arriving in the United States from Hong Kong without speaking English, he faced numerous challenges head-on. His tireless work ethic, often juggling multiple jobs, is a testament to his unwavering determination and strength.

Their stories are a constant source of inspiration for me.

Instagram: @Mike_Yam

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Twitter: @Mike_Yam

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