Rod Mackey: Veteran Sports Reporter & Anchor at CBS Sports Colorado
Rod Mackey is a seasoned sports reporter and anchor based in Denver, Colorado, currently serving at CBS Sports Colorado.
He grew up in Colorado and has covered sports in the Denver television market for over two decades.
Mackey graduated from Evergreen High School and the University of Colorado Boulder.
He began his career in broadcasting at a radio station in Vail. He then worked at television stations in Rapid City, South Dakota; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and San Diego before moving to Denver in 2000 to join KUSA-TV 9News.
Mackey spent 23 years at 9News, where he was the sports director and a fixture on the local sports scene.
He covered numerous major sporting events during his time at 9News, including Super Bowls, championship parades, and the Denver Broncos’ run to victory in Super Bowl 50.
In 2023, Mackey left 9News to join CBS Sports Colorado. He is now the lead sports anchor at the station, alongside Romi Bean.
Mackey is a respected figure in the Denver sports community and is known for his insightful reporting and his deep connections with coaches and athletes.
Mackey joined CBS Colorado in September 2023. He has a deep connection with Colorado sports teams and has made numerous legendary Broncos players, such as Demaryius Thomas, part of his network.
Mackey is known for his memorable interviews, including one with Shaq Barrett during the Broncos Super Bowl 50 parade.
Outside of work, Mackey enjoys skiing, water skiing, tennis, frisbee golf, and mountain biking. He has been married for 31 years and has three sons, all of whom attended the University of Colorado.
Early Life and Education:
Rod Mackey was born and raised in Colorado, specifically in the Evergreen area. He attended Bergen Elementary School and Evergreen Junior High School before graduating from Evergreen High School in 1985.
For his higher education, Mackey initially spent two years at the University of California, Santa Barbara, before transferring to the University of Colorado Boulder, where he completed his bachelor’s degree.
Mackey’s passion for sports and broadcasting began early, and he started his career in radio at KSKE Radio in Vail. This early start paved the way for his successful career in sports journalism.
Career:
Rod began his professional broadcasting career at a radio station in Vail. His television career took him to Rapid City, Cedar Rapids, San Diego, and eventually back to Denver.
In 2000, he joined KUSA 9NEWS in Denver, where he served as a sports reporter and later as the Sports Director for 23 years.
During his tenure at 9NEWS, he covered numerous significant events, including Super Bowls and championship parades.
In August 2023, Rod transitioned to CBS Sports Colorado, bringing his extensive experience to the station.
Early Career
KSKE Radio, Vail:
Rod Mackey’s entry into the world of broadcasting began at KSKE Radio in Vail, Colorado.
This radio station provided him with an essential foundation in the basics of journalism and broadcasting.
In this role, he developed his on-air presence, learned the importance of clear communication, and began to understand the dynamics of sports reporting.
This early experience was crucial in shaping his career trajectory and gave him the confidence to pursue larger opportunities in television.
KEVN-TV, Rapid City, South Dakota:
Transitioning from radio to television, Mackey took on the role of a weekend sports anchor and reporter at KEVN-TV.
This position marked his first foray into television broadcasting, where he had to adapt to the visual medium of TV news.
At KEVN-TV, Mackey covered local sports events, including high school and college sports, which allowed him to connect with the community and develop a loyal viewership.
His responsibilities included not only reporting but also editing and producing sports segments, which honed his skills in storytelling and visual presentation.
KGAN-TV, Cedar Rapids, Iowa:
After two years in Rapid City, Mackey moved to KGAN-TV in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
This move represented a step up in his career, as he took on more significant responsibilities and covered a broader range of sports.
During his five years at KGAN-TV, Mackey reported on everything from local high school games to professional sports, providing in-depth coverage and analysis.
His time in Cedar Rapids was marked by his ability to engage with audiences and deliver compelling sports stories, which earned him recognition and respect within the industry.
Career Progression
KUSI-TV, San Diego, California:
Mackey’s career then led him to KUSI-TV in San Diego, where he served as a sports anchor and reporter. San Diego’s diverse sports scene offered him the opportunity to cover a wide variety of events, from surfing competitions to major league baseball games.
At KUSI-TV, Mackey further refined his on-air delivery and gained experience in a larger market.
He reported on notable teams such as the San Diego Padres and the San Diego Chargers, providing fans with in-depth coverage and insights.
This role solidified his reputation as a knowledgeable and engaging sports journalist.
9News, Denver, Colorado:
In October 2000, Rod Mackey joined 9News in Denver, a pivotal moment in his career.
As the Sports Director, he was responsible for leading the sports department, overseeing coverage of major sporting events, and anchoring the sports segments.
During his 20 years at 9News, Mackey became a familiar face to Denver viewers, known for his comprehensive coverage of Colorado sports teams, including the Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies, and Denver Nuggets.
His tenure at 9News was characterized by his ability to deliver breaking news, conduct exclusive interviews, and provide detailed analysis, making him a trusted source for sports news in Colorado.
CBS Sports Colorado:
In September 2023, Rod Mackey transitioned to CBS Sports Colorado, where he continues to excel as a sports reporter and anchor.
This new role allows him to remain at the forefront of sports journalism in Colorado, continuing his passion for covering the state’s beloved sports teams.
At CBS Sports Colorado, Mackey is dedicated to bringing viewers the latest sports news, in-depth reports, and engaging stories.
His extensive experience and deep connection to Colorado sports have made him an invaluable asset to the network, ensuring that fans stay informed and entertained.
Notable Coverage
Rod Mackey has covered numerous significant sports events throughout his career. Here are some highlights:
- Denver Broncos Super Bowl 50 Parade: One of Mackey’s most memorable moments was interviewing Shaq Barrett during the Broncos Super Bowl 50 parade. This event was a major celebration in Denver, and Mackey’s interview captured the excitement and joy of the moment.
- Broncos Games: Mackey has extensively covered Denver Broncos games over the years, providing in-depth analysis and reporting on the team’s performances. His coverage has included key games, playoff matches, and Super Bowl appearances.
- Colorado Rockies and Nuggets: As a sports reporter in Colorado, Mackey has also covered the Colorado Rockies (MLB) and the Denver Nuggets (NBA). His reporting on these teams has included game previews, recaps, and interviews with players and coaches.
- Local High School Sports: Mackey has a strong connection to local sports, and he has covered high school sports events in Colorado. His coverage has helped highlight the achievements of young athletes and brought attention to local sports programs.
- Olympic Coverage: During his time at 9News, Mackey contributed to the network’s coverage of the Olympic Games, providing viewers with updates and highlights from the events.
Rod Mackey has worked with many colleagues throughout his career, especially during his long tenure at 9News in Denver. Some of his notable colleagues include:
- Kim Christiansen: Mackey often appeared on-air with Kim Christiansen, especially during sports segments and major events. Christiansen is a well-known anchor at 9News.
- Karen Leigh: Karen is a prominent news anchor known for her engaging reporting style. She collaborates with Mackey on special sports segments and coverage.
- Arielle Orsuto: A sports reporter with a passion for storytelling, Arielle often partners with Mackey for game coverage and features.
- Ryan Greene: A multimedia journalist, Ryan frequently works on sports features and game coverage with Mackey.
- Erica Bonifield: Erica, a skilled sports reporter, collaborates with Mackey to provide insightful sports news and features.
- Taylor Temby: Temby interned at 9News and worked alongside Mackey before moving on to other opportunities in sports journalism.
These colleagues have contributed to the success and camaraderie of the sports department at 9News, making it a collaborative and dynamic environment.
Financial Status:
Based on available information, Rod Mackey’s estimated net worth is between $1 million and $5 million.
This wealth has been accumulated through his long and successful career in sports journalism.
As for his salary, it is estimated to range between $70,000 and $125,000 per year.
This figure can vary depending on various factors such as his role, experience, and the specific contracts he has negotiated over the years.
Personal Life:
- Age: Rod Mackey’s exact age isn’t publicly available, but it’s estimated that he is in his early 50s.
- Ethnicity: Rod Mackey is of white ethnicity.
- Nationality: He is American.
- Relationship Status: Rod Mackey is married.
Wife:
Rod is married to his wife, whom he met in Vail. They have been married for approximately 31 years.
They have three sons, who have followed in their father’s footsteps by attending the University of Colorado.
One of their sons, Brendan Mackey, has even pursued a career in journalism and is working for WAOW.
The family also has an Old English Sheepdog, adding to their household.
Rod Mackey often shares that his family is his greatest support and that he enjoys spending time with them whenever he can.
They share a close bond, and he has pictures of his family displayed at his workplace.
Physical Attributes:
- Height: Rod Mackey is approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall.
- Weight: He weighs around 70 kilograms (approximately 154 pounds).
- Distinguishing Features: Rod Mackey has brown hair and blue eyes.
Social Media Activity:
Rod Mackey is active on social media. He maintains a presence on Twitter and Facebook.
He uses these platforms to share updates about his work, engage with his audience, and provide insights into the world of sports journalism.
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