Ernie Johnson is a well-respected legend in the sports community who actively participates in the field as a television commentator. The 66-year-old sports television host has been around for ages and comes from a family that loves sports as well. He is someone people consider an “OG” of the sports entertainment and media sector. Without him, the NBA community in particular would not be the same.
Shaq: “It was a joy watching you today. I came in the green room and I told Kenny, ‘Trae [Young] is the real deal.'”
Ernie Johnson: “So is Tyrese [Haliburton].”
Shaq: “I mean Tyrese… It’s that damn cannabis behind me.” 😂pic.twitter.com/caTiibgfKb
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 8, 2023
Johnson pursued a college degree at the University of Georgia. While people expect him to be a former athlete, his interests are in journalism. After completing college in 1977, EJ went on to pursue a career in the field and became prominent fairly quickly. Johnson’s father was a former MLB player, who passed long ago. But Johnson lost his mother, Lois, in 2023. His colleagues claimed she wasn’t just a great parent to Ernie but to all of them.
Ernie Johnson is worth $16 million as of 2023
The legend is considered one of the greatest sportscasters in the history of sports television. Johnson is popularly known for being a very kind-hearted yet hilarious person. His work with Turner Sports Media over the years has proven just that. Ever since starting his professional journey in the late 1970s, he has spent well 50 years in total doing what he does best.
Johnson was a great baseball player in college, however, he chose to let go of the sport to work in the media field. His net worth is said to be at $16 million as of 2023 according to various sources. He also reportedly earns $5 million (estimate) every year working for TNT.
Ernie has had a couple of impressive roles as a commentator. He has worked on several radio stations in Georgia before signing to TNT. In 1990, he was named the lead studio host of the FIFA World Cup. He has also worked with TBS while commentating for the MLB as well.
Ernie Johnson has spent over three decades with Turner Sports Media
Ernie Johnson signed with TNT back in 1989. It has been well over 30 years since his arrival on their set. Right now, he spends his time hosting NBA on TNT alongside three legends of the sport of basketball, Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith. The four of them are like family and often light up the mood during tense situations in the NBA. They’ve appeared on the set of TNT during many NBA playoff series.
Ernie once said, “It’s been a journey of a lifetime to work on this show, with Charles, Kenny, and Shaquille at the desk and alongside such an amazingly talented crew behind the scenes. I’m very blessed.” All four of them often have high praise for each other. They are known for being some of the funniest individuals in sports media at the moment. Fans often tune into their show to finish off a game on a good note.