By Chris Stevens
(Source FBCU Sports)
Pam Oliver has been a fixture on NFL sidelines for many years as a reporter and last Tuesday, the Florida A&M alumna added another honor to an endless list of awards.
Oliver, a 1984 FAMU graduate, was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame, part of a class that includes the recently retired Lee Corso and the late Greg Gumbel.
She is recognized as the longest-tenured NFL sideline reporter, covering over 500 games during her 30-year career at Fox Sports.
“With widespread respect and admiration across the industry, her straightforward and candid interviewing style consistently delivers topical and substantive reports,” the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame said in a statement announcing her induction.
“I still can’t believe it; my feet have not touched the ground,” Oliver said during Saturday’s NFL on Fox pregame show. “I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Fox for letting me grow and flourish, which is why I’m in the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Never thought I’d say those words, but I’m pleased as can be.”
Oliver graduated from Florida A&M’s famous journalism school while earning NCAA and Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) All-American honors in the 400-meters and the mile relay.
She joined Fox Sports in 1995 as a sideline reporter and also served in a similar capacity for the NBA on TNT until 2009.
Oliver is a member of the Florida A&M athletics hall of fame, the Florida Sports Hall of fame the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame.