Michelle Smallmon Age And ESPN Career: 5 Things You Didn't Know About The 'Unsportsmanlike' Co-Host
The rise of Michelle Smallmon in the male-dominated world of sports broadcasting is a compelling story of talent, persistence, and breaking barriers. As of December 2025, the prominent ESPN Radio host continues to be a staple of the network's national morning lineup, bringing her sharp wit and deep sports knowledge to millions of listeners daily. Her journey from the local airwaves of St. Louis to a national co-host position is a testament to her dedication to broadcast journalism.
The question of "Michelle Smallmon ESPN age" often surfaces as fans track her impressive career trajectory. Born on August 13, 1986, Michelle Smallmon is currently 39 years old, an age that reflects over 15 years in the competitive sports media industry. She has carved out a significant niche for herself, culminating in her high-profile role on one of ESPN's signature programs, cementing her status as one of the most recognizable female voices in sports talk radio today.
Michelle Smallmon Complete Biography and Profile
Michelle Smallmon's professional profile is marked by a steady ascent through the ranks of sports radio, starting from her midwestern roots and culminating in a national platform with ESPN.
- Full Name: Michelle Smallmon
- Date of Birth: August 13, 1986
- Current Age (as of December 2025): 39 years old
- Hometown: Belleville, Illinois, United States
- Parents: Tony Smallmon and Robin Smallmon
- Zodiac Sign: Leo
- Education: University of Illinois (Degree in Broadcast Journalism)
- First Career Role: Production Assistant (e.g., at KSDK)
- Previous Notable Role: Co-Host of Karraker & Smallmon on 101 ESPN St. Louis
- Current Role: Co-Host of Unsportsmanlike on ESPN Radio
- Co-Hosts: Evan Cohen and Chris Canty
- Known For: Sports Broadcaster, Radio Host, and Media Personality
The Unsportsmanlike Era: Smallmon's Current Role at ESPN
Michelle Smallmon currently serves as the co-host of ESPN Radio's national morning show, Unsportsmanlike. This is arguably the most significant role in her career, placing her voice in the coveted 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. ET time slot, a crucial period for sports talk programming.
The show, which launched as part of a major ESPN Radio programming overhaul, is a dynamic and energetic start to the day. Smallmon co-hosts the four-hour broadcast alongside Evan Cohen and former NFL defensive end Chris Canty.
Her position on Unsportsmanlike showcases her ability to balance serious sports analysis with engaging, personality-driven radio. She provides a critical, often humorous, perspective on the biggest sports stories, including the latest in the NFL, NBA, MLB, and college sports. This national exposure has significantly boosted her profile as a leading broadcast journalist and radio host in the industry.
The show's format leans heavily into listener interaction and the trio's chemistry, making it a fresh and compelling listen for the morning drive. Smallmon’s contributions are vital to the show’s success, offering insightful commentary and acting as a key entity in the ESPN Radio landscape.
Breaking Barriers: The St. Louis Chapter and Career Milestones
Before achieving national fame, Michelle Smallmon built a strong reputation in the St. Louis market, a crucial stepping stone in her ESPN career journey. Her work in St. Louis is a significant part of her legacy, particularly her time at 101 ESPN.
The Karraker & Smallmon Show
Smallmon made history at 101 ESPN St. Louis by becoming the first woman to have her name featured in the title of a show on the station. This groundbreaking show, *Karraker & Smallmon*, was a popular morning staple in the region, demonstrating her ability to lead a major market program. This accomplishment highlights her trailblazing path for other female sports broadcasters.
Her success in St. Louis was built on solid foundations. A graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in broadcast journalism, Smallmon initially started her career with an entry-level position as a production assistant. This early experience gave her a comprehensive understanding of the radio and television production process, which she credits for her later success as an on-air personality.
Key LSI Entities and Career Highlights
Smallmon's career is a rich tapestry of roles and appearances that establish her topical authority in sports media. Her work extends beyond the main radio show:
- Podcast Hosting: She has hosted her own podcast, *Small Talk*, where she delves into various aspects of sports and media.
- Guest Appearances: Smallmon is a frequent guest and contributor on other ESPN programs, including NFL Live, and has appeared on shows like *The Jeremy Werner Show*.
- Midwestern Roots: Her connection to her hometown of Belleville, Illinois, and her time covering the St. Louis sports scene (including the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues) gives her a unique, relatable perspective often missing from national commentary.
The combination of her early, history-making success at the local level and her current, high-visibility role on the national *Unsportsmanlike* show makes Michelle Smallmon a powerful and influential ESPN Radio host. Her journey is a clear indicator that the sports media landscape is evolving, with her sharp commentary and engaging personality leading the charge.
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