Today we’d like to introduce you to Derwin Graham.
Hi Derwin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I got my start in the sports media industry through a journey that began as a student athlete at Baylor University. Back then, like a lot of athletes, I was fully focused on my sports (Track & Field/XC). I graduated in 2015 with my BA in Journalism and had that moment of realizing that athletics wouldn’t be my entire career. That’s when I had to figure out who I was outside of my sport (something that is truly a hard thing to look in the mirror and figure out).
I decided to pursue my MFA in Documentary Production & Studies and while I was still in my program, I got a call from ESPN to come work at their headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut. I took the opportunity and essentially jumped right into the deep end, being the lead content associate on “The Last Dance,” the Michael Jordan/Chicago Bulls documentary with ESPN Films/30 for 30. They basically threw me right into it as the archival producer, handling all the archival needs, helping produce promotional pieces and even a bit of editing. Basically being a swiss army knife since I had the skillset to do so. ESPN was instrumental in my growth because I really honed my archival skills there, mastering footage databases, workflows and gaining deep expertise in all their internal systems.
After a few years there, I took a leap of faith and freelanced for some years. I ended up doing projects as an Archival Producer/Associate Producer with Spike Lee’s 40 Acres & a Mule Filmworks, Religion of Sports, TIME Studios, HBO and CBS Sports. Over time, I carved out a niche in the industry as the go-to sports “archival guru” for documentaries, eventually becoming an Archival Producer with over 100 credits to my name at this point and earning multiple Telly, Webby and Clio Awards along with an Emmy. Overall, I’d say I got here, and stayed here in this ever shifting industry, through faith. My faith in God, faith in my abilities, and my faith that good things come to those who stay true to themselves.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all. The road has been full of twists, setbacks and moments of uncertainty. There were times I wasn’t sure what was next. Freelance seasons, roles that ended unexpectedly or just the weight of trying to build stability in an unpredictable industry.
But one of the biggest blessings has been how my name kept coming up for projects in rooms I didn’t even know I was being mentioned in. I’ve always tried to leave an authentic, lasting impression on the people I work with. Whether it’s through my work ethic, how I treat people or just staying true to who I am. And in return, people have looked out for me when I didn’t see it coming and when I needed it the most.
That kind of unseen support has reminded me that even when it feels like no one’s watching, the energy you put out matters. It comes back around. That’s what’s helped me stay rooted along with my faith and a deep belief in the work I’m meant to do.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a Documentary/Unscripted Producer and a storyteller who specializes in archival research and curation, particularly in the sports and culture space. Over the years, I’ve carved out a lane as the archival specialist for projects that need both historical depth and emotional weight. My work lives in the details: finding that one clip, that one moment, that one unseen angle that brings a story to life. I’ve worked across over 100 projects with some of the biggest names in the game: ESPN, CBS Sports, HBO, TIME Studios, 40 Acres & a Mule Filmworks with Spike Lee, Religion of Sports and more. I’m proud to say I’ve done this at the highest level possible for almost a decade.
What I’m most proud of, though, isn’t just the awards or big name credits, it’s the trust. The trust from directors, producers and editors who know I’ll bring integrity, accuracy and passion to every project. I care deeply about the work because I care deeply about the people and legacies behind it. I’ve always tried to leave an everlasting mark on the teams and collaborators I’ve crossed paths with.
What sets me apart is not just experience, it’s expertise. I’ve dedicated myself to mastering the footage databases, licensing systems and workflows that make or break high level archival storytelling. I’ve become one of the most knowledgeable sports archival researchers out there, with a reputation for bringing clarity, creativity and care to every frame. And beyond the technical side, I stay grounded in purpose. I don’t just want to tell stories, I want to preserve legacy, amplify culture and make sure every story is seen, heard and felt.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My village is strong, and I’m forever grateful for the people who’ve supported me on this journey. First and foremost, Marquis Daisy my brother and mentor at ESPN from day one. Gave me my first shot in this industry. He’s been in my corner since I first stepped foot on campus and has guided me every step of the way. Trevor Gill, who started at ESPN the same day as me, was literally the first person I spoke to while trying to find my way to where we needed to be at to check in. That bond has lasted ever since.
Gus Navarro, Reilly Bloom, Omar Powell and Justin Tinsley have been heavy in my corner always encouraging, always real. They mean the world to me. Sarah Kazadi-Ndoye, a brilliant media executive and creative POWERHOUSE, believed in me back in our ESPN days and brought me over to CBS Sports when she got the opportunity. Now she’s taking over the world. That kind of belief means everything.
Big love to every company that took a chance on a kid from Baylor. And to the ESPN Deathrow DC intramural basketball squad (if you know, you know). We all still keep in touch and pour into each other to this day. Y’all boys keep motivating me.
My guy Devin Fonrose, one of the most creative minds out there, constantly pushes me to elevate and speaks life into every vision I pursue. And my brother Frank, aka BallerTribe, he’s iron sharpening iron. We’ll spend hours building, talking about life, media, and what it means to do this work with purpose.
Of course, none of this happens without God, my family, my son Derwin III, RaShaude, Mushy and many other friends in my village. The list goes on and I know I’m forgetting names directly, but if you’ve ever supported me, inspired me or shown love, just know you’re appreciated for real!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.directdergraham.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primetimegraham/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derwingraham1914/
Image Credits
@christianpena.photos
