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| death_place =
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| education = [[University of Georgia]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])
| education = [[University of Georgia]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])
| occupation = On-air personality / [[Sports commentator|sportscaster]]-[[TNT Sports (United States)|TNT Sports]]
| occupation = On-air personality / [[Sports commentator|sportscaster]] for [[TNT Sports (United States)|TNT Sports]]
| years_active = 1977–present
| years_active = 1977–present
| title =
| title =
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'''Ernest Thorwald Johnson Jr.''' (born August 7,<ref>{{Cite tweet|number=1026963457323794433|user=turnersportsej|title=Thanks Turner family— it's the only place I've ever wanted to work—29 years and counting|author=Ernie Johnson, Jr}}</ref> 1956) is an American sportscaster for [[TNT Sports (United States)|TNT Sports]]. He is currently the television voice and a studio host for [[Major League Baseball on TBS]], hosts ''[[Inside the NBA]]'' for [[NBA on TNT|TNT]], and [[NBA TV]] and contributes to the joint coverage of the [[NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament]] for TNT Sports and [[CBS Sports]]. His father was [[Ernie Johnson Sr.]], a [[Major League Baseball]] pitcher and [[Atlanta Braves]] play-by-play announcer.<ref name=CNNSI>{{cite web |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/turnersports/nba/announcers/johnson/index.html |title=Ernie Johnson Biography |website=[[CNN Sports Illustrated]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040221094114/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/turnersports/nba/announcers/johnson/index.html |archive-date=February 21, 2004 |via=[[Wayback Machine]]}}</ref>
'''Ernest Thorwald Johnson Jr.''' (born August 7,<ref>{{Cite tweet|number=1026963457323794433|user=turnersportsej|title=Thanks Turner family— it's the only place I've ever wanted to work—29 years and counting|author=Ernie Johnson, Jr}}</ref> 1956) is an American sportscaster for [[TNT Sports (United States)|TNT Sports]]. He is the television voice and a studio host for [[Major League Baseball on TBS]], hosts ''[[Inside the NBA]]'' for [[NBA on TNT|TNT]] and [[NBA TV]], and contributes to the joint coverage of the [[NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament]] for TNT Sports and [[CBS Sports]]. His father was [[Ernie Johnson Sr.]], a [[Major League Baseball]] pitcher and [[Atlanta Braves]] play-by-play announcer.<ref name=CNNSI>{{cite web |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/turnersports/nba/announcers/johnson/index.html |title=Ernie Johnson Biography |website=[[CNN Sports Illustrated]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040221094114/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/turnersports/nba/announcers/johnson/index.html |archive-date=February 21, 2004 |via=[[Wayback Machine]]}}</ref>


== Early life ==
== Early life ==
Johnson was born in 1956 in [[Milwaukee]], Wisconsin. His father, [[Ernie Johnson Sr.]] (1924–2011), was a [[Major League Baseball]] player who later became a television sports [[Sports commentator|commentator]]. Johnson's family moved to [[Atlanta]], Georgia, after his father's retirement from professional baseball in 1964 when Ernie was eight years old.
Johnson was born in 1956 in [[Milwaukee]], Wisconsin. His father, [[Ernie Johnson Sr.]], was a [[Major League Baseball]] player who later became a television sports commentator.<ref>{{cite web|first=Curtis|last=Smith|title=Ernie Johnson Jr.|publisher=Society For American Baseball Research|url=https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/ernie-johnson-jr/|access-date=August 20, 2024}}</ref> Johnson's family moved to [[Atlanta]], Georgia, after his father retired from professional baseball in 1964, when Ernie was eight years old.


Johnson attended high school at the [[Marist School (Georgia)|Marist School]], a private [[Catholic school]] in [[Brookhaven, Georgia]], and graduated in 1974. He then went to the [[University of Georgia]] and majored in [[journalism]].<ref name="UGA Today">{{cite news |last1=Rangus |first1=Eric |title=Ernie Johnson Jr.: Writing the script |url=https://news.uga.edu/ernie-johnson-jr-writing-the-script/ |access-date=1 December 2023 |work=UGA Today |publisher=University of Georgia}}</ref> Johnson played [[first baseman|first base]] on the [[Georgia Bulldogs baseball|Bulldogs baseball]] team his freshman year.<ref name="Hartman Award">{{cite web |url=https://georgiadogs.com/news/2016/2/24/Ernie_Johnson_Jr_Hartman_Award_Recipient.aspx |title=ERNIE JOHNSON, JR. - HARTMAN AWARD RECIPIENT |website=georgiadogs.com |date=February 24, 2016}}</ref> He graduated from Georgia in 1978 with a [[Bachelor of Arts]], ''[[Latin honors#United States|summa cum laude]]''.<ref name="UGA Today" /><ref name="Hartman Award" />
Johnson attended high school at the [[Marist School (Georgia)|Marist School]], a private [[Catholic school]] in [[Brookhaven, Georgia]], and graduated in 1974. He then went to the [[University of Georgia]] and majored in [[journalism]].<ref name="UGA Today">{{cite news |last1=Rangus |first1=Eric |title=Ernie Johnson Jr.: Writing the script |url=https://news.uga.edu/ernie-johnson-jr-writing-the-script/ |access-date=1 December 2023 |work=UGA Today |publisher=University of Georgia}}</ref> Johnson played [[first baseman|first base]] on the [[Georgia Bulldogs baseball|Bulldogs baseball]] team his freshman year.<ref name="Hartman Award">{{cite web |url=https://georgiadogs.com/news/2016/2/24/Ernie_Johnson_Jr_Hartman_Award_Recipient.aspx |title=ERNIE JOHNSON, JR. - HARTMAN AWARD RECIPIENT |website=georgiadogs.com |date=February 24, 2016}}</ref> He graduated in 1978 with a [[Bachelor of Arts]], ''[[Latin honors#United States|summa cum laude]]''.<ref name="UGA Today" /><ref name="Hartman Award" />


== Career ==
== Career ==
During college, Johnson got his first sportscasting job as the news and sports director for the radio station [[WAGQ-FM]] in [[Athens, Georgia]].<ref name=CNNSI />
During college, Johnson got his first sportscasting job as the news and sports director for the radio station [[WAGQ-FM]] in [[Athens, Georgia]].<ref name=CNNSI />


In 1979, Johnson was hired as a news anchor at [[WMAZ-TV]] in [[Macon, Georgia]]. He worked there as a news anchor until 1981, when he worked as a news reporter in [[Spartanburg, South Carolina]], at [[WSPA-TV]]. Johnson worked in [[Atlanta, Georgia|Atlanta]] at [[WSB-TV]] as a general assignment news reporter in 1982. He became the station's weekend sports anchor and reporter in 1983. He held those jobs until 1989, when he left to join Turner Sports.<ref name=CNNSI />
In 1979, Johnson was hired as a news anchor at [[WMAZ-TV]] in [[Macon, Georgia]]. He worked there until 1981, when he was hired as a news reporter at [[WSPA-TV]] in [[Spartanburg, South Carolina]]. Johnson worked in [[Atlanta, Georgia|Atlanta]] at [[WSB-TV]] as a general assignment news reporter in 1982. He became the station's weekend sports anchor and reporter in 1983. He held those jobs until 1989, when he left to join Turner Sports.<ref name=CNNSI />


From 1993 to 1996, Johnson called [[Atlanta Braves]] [[baseball]] games for SportSouth (now [[Bally Sports South]]) with his father, [[Ernie Johnson Sr.]]<ref name=CNNSI />
From 1993 to 1996, Johnson called [[Atlanta Braves]] [[baseball]] games for SportSouth (now [[FanDuel Sports Network South]]) with his father.<ref name=CNNSI />


=== TNT Sports===
=== TNT Sports===
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Known as "E.J.", Johnson works as the studio host for TNT's coverage of the [[National Basketball Association|NBA]], including pregame and halftime shows, and the network's famous postgame studio show that airs after each NBA doubleheader, ''[[Inside the NBA]]''. He has hosted the show since 1990.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.erniejohnsonjr.com/|title=Ernie Johnson Jr|work=erniejohnsonjr.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last=Williams | first=Madison | title=Charles Barkley Heartwarmingly Surprised Ernie Johnson With Broadcasting Hall of Fame News | url=https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2023/06/29/charles-barkley-heartwarmingly-surprised-ernie-johnson-broadcasting-hall-of-fame | date=June 29, 2023 | publisher=[[Sports Illustrated]] | quote=Johnson has worked with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports for 34 years, he said, and has worked in broadcasting for over four decades. He’s hosted Inside the NBA on TNT since 1990. }}</ref>
Known as "E.J.", Johnson works as the studio host for TNT's coverage of the [[National Basketball Association|NBA]], including pregame and halftime shows, and the network's famous postgame studio show that airs after each NBA doubleheader, ''[[Inside the NBA]]''. He has hosted the show since 1990.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.erniejohnsonjr.com/|title=Ernie Johnson Jr|work=erniejohnsonjr.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last=Williams | first=Madison | title=Charles Barkley Heartwarmingly Surprised Ernie Johnson With Broadcasting Hall of Fame News | url=https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2023/06/29/charles-barkley-heartwarmingly-surprised-ernie-johnson-broadcasting-hall-of-fame | date=June 29, 2023 | publisher=[[Sports Illustrated]] | quote=Johnson has worked with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports for 34 years, he said, and has worked in broadcasting for over four decades. He’s hosted Inside the NBA on TNT since 1990. }}</ref>


At the end of each broadcast, Ernie presents "E.J.'s Neat-O Stat of the Night", which has become a popular part of the show but is sponsored by no one, hence the sign that says "Your logo here". This changed in May 2007 when [[vitaminwater]] stepped in as a sponsor for the segment, replaced by [[Panasonic]]'s Viera line of televisions for 2008. For the 2005–2006 season, his segments were sponsored by Intel Centrino and most recently [[Suzuki]]. In the [[2008 NBA Playoffs]], his segments were presented by [[Geico]] and vitaminwater.
At the end of each broadcast, Ernie presents "E.J.'s Neat-O Stat of the Night", which has become a popular part of the show but is sponsored by no one, hence the sign that says "Your logo here". This changed in 2007 when [[vitaminwater]] sponsored the segment, replaced by [[Panasonic]]'s Viera line of televisions in 2008. For the 2005–06 season, his segments were sponsored by Intel Centrino and [[Suzuki]]. In the [[2008 NBA Playoffs]], his segments were presented by [[Geico]] and vitaminwater.


For all NBA-related shows, Johnson is joined by former NBA stars [[Kenny Smith]], [[Charles Barkley]], [[Shaquille O'Neal]] and, on occasion, [[Chris Webber]], [[Grant Hill]], or [[Reggie Miller]]. In the 2012–2013 regular season he was joined by [[Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway]] and [[Dennis Scott (basketball)|Dennis Scott]] while Smith and Barkley covered [[NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship|March Madness]] on [[CBS]].
For all NBA-related shows, Johnson is joined by former NBA stars [[Kenny Smith]], [[Charles Barkley]], [[Shaquille O'Neal]], and occasionally [[Chris Webber]], [[Grant Hill]], or [[Reggie Miller]]. In the 2012–13 season he was joined by [[Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway]] and [[Dennis Scott (basketball)|Dennis Scott]] while Smith and Barkley covered [[NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship|March Madness]] on [[CBS]].


Johnson is also the host of ''[[NBA Gametime Live#Tuesday Fan Night|Tuesday Fan Night]]'' on sister station NBA TV, alongside Webber and [[Greg Anthony]]. He is also the host and moderator of NBA TV's ''Open Court'', a basketball-panel show featuring Johnson and a rotation of six panelists (all of whom are made up of TNT's NBA analysts) discussing various topics, ranging from the history of the NBA to the current day scene of the league.
Johnson also hosts ''[[NBA Gametime Live#Tuesday Fan Night|Tuesday Fan Night]]'' on sister station NBA TV, alongside Webber and [[Greg Anthony]]. He also hosts and moderates NBA TV's ''Open Court'', a basketball-panel show featuring Johnson and a rotation of six panelists (all of whom are TNT NBA analysts) discussing various topics, ranging from the history of the NBA to the current state of the league.


In October 2022, Johnson signed a long-term contract extension with [[Warner Bros. Discovery Sports]] to continue as a host on ''[[Inside the NBA]].''<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Chavkin |first=Daniel |title=TNT Announces 'Inside the NBA' Crew's Future Amid Charles Barkley Contract |url=https://www.si.com/media/2022/10/17/tnt-announces-extensions-for-all-four-inside-the-nba-personalities |access-date=2022-10-19 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}}</ref>
In October 2022, Johnson signed a long-term contract extension with [[Warner Bros. Discovery Sports]] to continue as a host on ''[[Inside the NBA]].''<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Chavkin |first=Daniel |title=TNT Announces 'Inside the NBA' Crew's Future Amid Charles Barkley Contract |url=https://www.si.com/media/2022/10/17/tnt-announces-extensions-for-all-four-inside-the-nba-personalities |access-date=2022-10-19 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}}</ref>
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[[File:Cal Ripken and Ernie Johnson, Jr..jpg|thumb|230px|Johnson (right) in the broadcast booth with [[Cal Ripken Jr.]] during the [[2012 American League Division Series]]]]
[[File:Cal Ripken and Ernie Johnson, Jr..jpg|thumb|230px|Johnson (right) in the broadcast booth with [[Cal Ripken Jr.]] during the [[2012 American League Division Series]]]]


In addition to working basketball, Johnson is also the [[play-by-play]] announcer for TNT's [[PGA Tour]] coverage. At TBS, Johnson worked as the studio host for their coverage of [[College Football on TBS|college football]]. In 2002, Johnson was co-winner of the [[Sports Emmy Awards|Sports Emmy]] for [[Outstanding Sports Personality, Studio Host]], tying with [[Bob Costas]] of [[NBC]] and [[Home Box Office|HBO]]. It was the first time Johnson had been nominated for a Sports Emmy. In 2006, Johnson won the award again, this time on his own, snapping Costas's six-year stranglehold on it, including the year the two shared the honor. From 2007 to 2009, Johnson worked as the studio host alongside [[Cal Ripken Jr.]] for TBS's coverage of [[Major League Baseball on TBS|Major League Baseball]]. In 2010, he moved into a play-by-play role for the network, serving as the lead broadcaster for TBS's playoff coverage, including the [[2010 American League Championship Series|2010 ALCS]]. He also broadcast 40 [[Atlanta Braves]] games on sister channel [[Peachtree TV]]. In 2020, Johnson moved back into a studio host for the network's pregame and postgame show while continuing his play-by-play role for TBS's coverage of [[Major League Baseball on TBS|Major League Baseball]].
In addition to working basketball, Johnson is also the [[play-by-play]] announcer for TNT's [[PGA Tour]] coverage. At TBS, he worked as the studio host for its coverage of [[College Football on TBS|college football]]. In 2002, Johnson was co-winner of the [[Sports Emmy Awards|Sports Emmy]] for [[Outstanding Sports Personality, Studio Host]], tying with [[Bob Costas]] of [[NBC]] and [[Home Box Office|HBO]]. It was the first time he had been nominated for a Sports Emmy. In 2006, Johnson won the award again, this time on his own, snapping Costas's six-year streak, including the year the two shared the honor. From 2007 to 2009, Johnson worked as the studio host alongside [[Cal Ripken Jr.]] for TBS's coverage of [[Major League Baseball on TBS|Major League Baseball]]. In 2010, he moved into a play-by-play role for the network, serving as the lead broadcaster for TBS's playoff coverage, including the [[2010 American League Championship Series|2010 ALCS]]. He also broadcast 40 [[Atlanta Braves]] games on sister channel [[Peachtree TV]]. In 2020, Johnson again became a studio host for the network's pregame and postgame show while continuing his play-by-play role for TBS's coverage of Major League Baseball.


Johnson's past work at TNT included roles as studio host for [[The Championships, Wimbledon]], from 2000 to 2002, studio host for its [[National Football League]] coverage from 1990 to 1997, and various duties at the 1994, 1998, and 2001 [[Goodwill Games]], as well as the [[1992 Winter Olympics]] in [[Albertville, France]], and the [[1994 Winter Olympics]] in [[Lillehammer]]. He was the studio host for TNT's coverage of the [[1990 FIFA World Cup]]. He also co-hosted Barkley's now-defunct talk show, ''Listen Up!'' Past work at TBS also included working as studio host for their NBA coverage. Johnson also called [[Olympic weightlifting|weightlifting]] for NBC's coverage of the [[2000 Summer Olympics]] in [[Sydney]]. He also serves as a studio host for the NCAA tournament for CBS and [[Turner Sports]] alternating with [[Greg Gumbel]].
Johnson's past work at TNT included roles as studio host for [[The Championships, Wimbledon]], from 2000 to 2002, studio host for its [[National Football League]] coverage from 1990 to 1997, and various duties at the 1994, 1998, and 2001 [[Goodwill Games]], as well as the [[1992 Winter Olympics]] in [[Albertville, France]], and the [[1994 Winter Olympics]] in [[Lillehammer]]. He was the studio host for TNT's coverage of the [[1990 FIFA World Cup]]. He co-hosted Barkley's now-defunct talk show, ''Listen Up!'' Past work at TBS includes working as studio host for its NBA coverage. Johnson also called [[Olympic weightlifting|weightlifting]] for NBC's coverage of the [[2000 Summer Olympics]] in [[Sydney]]. He serves as a studio host for the NCAA tournament for CBS and [[Turner Sports]], alternating with [[Greg Gumbel]].


In 2015, Johnson won his third Sports Emmy for Best Studio Host, and gave his award to the daughters of the late [[Stuart Scott]], who died in January 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/12830304/ernie-johnson-tnt-gives-sports-emmy-award-stuart-scott-daughters|title=Ernie Johnson of TNT gives Sports Emmy Award to Stuart Scott's daughters|work=ESPN.com|date=May 6, 2015}}</ref>
In 2015, Johnson won his third Sports Emmy for Best Studio Host, and gave his award to the daughters of the late [[Stuart Scott]], who died in January 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/12830304/ernie-johnson-tnt-gives-sports-emmy-award-stuart-scott-daughters|title=Ernie Johnson of TNT gives Sports Emmy Award to Stuart Scott's daughters|work=ESPN.com|date=May 6, 2015}}</ref>


Johnson is also a sportscaster on ''NBA Live 98'', and the ''[[NBA 2K]]'' franchise since 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1008723/|title=Ernie Johnson|website=IMDb|access-date=September 18, 2018}}</ref>
Johnson is also a sportscaster on ''NBA Live 98'', and the ''[[NBA 2K]]'' franchise since 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1008723/|title=Ernie Johnson|website=IMDb|access-date=September 18, 2018}}</ref>
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== Personal life ==
== Personal life ==
⚫
Johnson and his wife, Cheryl, a licensed professional counselor, live in [[Braselton, Georgia]]. They have two biological children and four adopted children.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2021/10/30/tnt-broadcaster-ernie-johnsons-son-dies-at-33/|title=Michael Johnson, son of Turner Sports broadcaster Ernie Johnson, dead at 33|first=Mark W.|last=Sanchez|date=October 30, 2021}}</ref>
{{BLP sources section|date=October 2015}}
⚫
Johnson and his wife, Cheryl, a licensed professional counselor, live in [[Braselton, Georgia]]. The Johnsons have two biological children (Eric and Maggie) and four adopted children: a son named Michael, who was adopted from Romania, had [[Duchenne muscular dystrophy]], and died in 2021;<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2021/10/30/tnt-broadcaster-ernie-johnsons-son-dies-at-33/|title=Michael Johnson, son of Turner Sports broadcaster Ernie Johnson, dead at 33|first=Mark W.|last=Sanchez|date=October 30, 2021}}</ref> a daughter named Carmen, who was adopted from Paraguay; and daughters Ashley and Allison, adopted domestically through foster care.


Raised [[Catholic Church|Catholic]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sportsspectrum.com/featured/2017/04/05/tnt-host-ernie-johnson-trust-god-period/|title=TNT Host Ernie Johnson – "Trust God ... Period"|website=SportsSpectrum.com|last=Romano |first=Jason |date=April 5, 2017}}</ref> Johnson now identifies as Protestant and works on a regular basis with the [[Fellowship of Christian Athletes]] (FCA), [[Athletes in Action]] (AIA), and [[Samaritan's Feet]].
Raised [[Catholic Church|Catholic]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sportsspectrum.com/featured/2017/04/05/tnt-host-ernie-johnson-trust-god-period/|title=TNT Host Ernie Johnson – "Trust God ... Period"|website=SportsSpectrum.com|last=Romano |first=Jason |date=April 5, 2017}}</ref> Johnson now{{when?|date=November 2024}} identifies as Protestant and works on a regular basis with the [[Fellowship of Christian Athletes]] (FCA), [[Athletes in Action]] (AIA), and [[Samaritan's Feet]].{{cn|date=November 2024}}


Johnson is a devoted [[Atlanta Braves]] fan. Though he was born in Milwaukee, Johnson's family moved to the Atlanta area when he was nine, and he considers it to be his hometown. He attended high school at the private [[Marist School (Georgia)|Marist School]] in nearby [[Brookhaven, Georgia]].
Johnson is a devoted [[Atlanta Braves]] fan. Though he was born in Milwaukee, his family moved to the Atlanta area when he was nine, and he considers it his hometown. He attended high school at the [[Marist School (Georgia)|Marist School]] in [[Brookhaven, Georgia]].{{cn|date=November 2024}}


On the November 10, 2016, edition of ''Inside the NBA'', Johnson and co-hosts were discussing the [[2016 United States presidential election|2016 U.S. presidential election]] and the stunning upset of [[Donald Trump]]'s victory over [[Hillary Clinton]]. While giving his remarks, Johnson talked about the build-up to Election Day, and how he would lean on his Christian faith and pray for the transition of power and for the division in the country. He also revealed that he wrote in his vote for Ohio governor [[John Kasich]], who was one of the [[Republican Party presidential primaries, 2016|17 Republican candidates]] and the last to suspend his campaign.
On the November 10, 2016, edition of ''Inside the NBA'', Johnson and co-hosts were discussing the [[2016 United States presidential election|2016 U.S. presidential election]] and [[Donald Trump]]'s upset over [[Hillary Clinton]]. While giving his remarks, Johnson talked about the build-up to Election Day, and how he would lean on his Christian faith and pray for the transition of power and for the division in the country. He also revealed that he wrote in his vote for Ohio governor [[John Kasich]], who was one of the [[Republican Party presidential primaries, 2016|17 Republican candidates]] and the last to suspend his campaign.{{cn|date=November 2024}}


In April 2017, he released his memoir, ''Unscripted: The Unpredictable Moments That Make Life Extraordinary''.<ref name="Unscripted">{{cite book |title=Unscripted: The Unpredictable Moments That Make Life Extraordinary |first=Ernie Jr.|last=Johnson |others=foreword by [[John Smoltz]] |publisher=[[Baker Publishing Group|Baker Books]] |date=2017 |isbn=978-0-8010-7410-3}}</ref>
In April 2017, he released his memoir, ''Unscripted: The Unpredictable Moments That Make Life Extraordinary''.<ref name="Unscripted">{{cite book |title=Unscripted: The Unpredictable Moments That Make Life Extraordinary |first=Ernie Jr.|last=Johnson |others=foreword by [[John Smoltz]] |publisher=[[Baker Publishing Group|Baker Books]] |date=2017 |isbn=978-0-8010-7410-3}}</ref>


=== Health ===
=== Health ===
In 2003, Johnson was diagnosed with [[non-Hodgkin's lymphoma]], but continued his work through June 2006, when he began treatment. Due to his cancer, Johnson missed TNT's coverage of the [[The Open Championship|British Open]] and [[PGA Championship]], the last two [[golf]] major tournaments in 2006. Johnson returned to ''Inside the NBA'' on October 31, [[2006-07 NBA season|2006]], while continuing his [[chemotherapy]] treatments.
In 2003, Johnson was diagnosed with [[non-Hodgkin's lymphoma]], but continued his work through June 2006, when he began treatment. Due to his cancer, he missed TNT's coverage of the [[The Open Championship|British Open]] and [[PGA Championship]], the last two major golf tournaments of 2006. Johnson returned to ''Inside the NBA'' on October 31, 2006, while continuing [[chemotherapy]].{{cn|date=November 2024}}


On October 1, 2018, Johnson announced that he would not be a part of the [[2018 Major League Baseball season#Postseason|2018 MLB postseason]] on TBS after being diagnosed with blood clots in both of his legs, which affects his ability to travel by air.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Yomtov |first1=Jesse |title=Announcer Ernie Johnson will skip MLB playoffs due to blood clots |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2018/10/01/ernie-johnson-mlb-playoffs-tbs/1488233002/ |access-date=October 2, 2018 |work=USA Today |date=October 1, 2018}}</ref>
On October 1, 2018, Johnson announced that he would not be a part of the [[2018 Major League Baseball season#Postseason|2018 MLB postseason]] on TBS after being diagnosed with blood clots in both of his legs, which affects his ability to travel by air.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Yomtov |first1=Jesse |title=Announcer Ernie Johnson will skip MLB playoffs due to blood clots |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2018/10/01/ernie-johnson-mlb-playoffs-tbs/1488233002/ |access-date=October 2, 2018 |work=USA Today |date=October 1, 2018}}</ref>
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*[[Indiana Wesleyan University]] Society of World Changers 2019 Inductee, where he was presented with an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indwes.edu/news/2019/02/ernie-johnson-jr.-inducted-as-2019-iwu-world-changer|title=Ernie Johnson Jr. inducted as 2019 IWU World Changer|website=www.indwes.edu}}</ref>{{better source|date=October 2021}}
*[[Indiana Wesleyan University]] Society of World Changers 2019 Inductee, where he was presented with an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indwes.edu/news/2019/02/ernie-johnson-jr.-inducted-as-2019-iwu-world-changer|title=Ernie Johnson Jr. inducted as 2019 IWU World Changer|website=www.indwes.edu}}</ref>{{better source|date=October 2021}}
*2023 [https://www.sportsbroadcastinghalloffame.org/ Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame] inductee<ref>{{Cite web |title=Watch: Charles Barkley surprises Ernie Johnson with news of Hall of Fame induction |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/media/2023/06/29/ernie-johnson-sports-broadcasting-hall-of-fame-charles-barkley-reveal/70371494007/ |access-date=2023-10-26 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref>
*2023 [https://www.sportsbroadcastinghalloffame.org/ Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame] inductee<ref>{{Cite web |title=Watch: Charles Barkley surprises Ernie Johnson with news of Hall of Fame induction |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/media/2023/06/29/ernie-johnson-sports-broadcasting-hall-of-fame-charles-barkley-reveal/70371494007/ |access-date=2023-10-26 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Publications==
*{{cite book|first=Ernie Jr.|last=Johnson|title=Unscripted: The Unpredictable Moments That Make Life Extraordinary|year=2017|publisher=Baker Publishing Group|isbn=9781493406999}}


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
*{{commonscatinline}}


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[[Category:American television sports announcers]]
[[Category:American television sports announcers]]
[[Category:American television talk show hosts]]
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[[Category:Association football commentators]]
[[Category:American soccer commentators]]
[[Category:Atlanta Braves announcers]]
[[Category:Atlanta Braves announcers]]
[[Category:College basketball announcers in the United States]]
[[Category:College basketball announcers in the United States]]
[[Category:College football announcers]]
[[Category:College football announcers]]
[[Category:Georgia Bulldogs baseball players]]
[[Category:Georgia Bulldogs baseball players]]
[[Category:Golf commentators]]
[[Category:American golf commentators]]
[[Category:Living people]]
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[[Category:Major League Baseball broadcasters]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball broadcasters]]
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[[Category:People from Milwaukee]]
[[Category:People from Milwaukee]]
[[Category:Sports Emmy Award winners]]
[[Category:Sports Emmy Award winners]]
[[Category:Tennis commentators]]
[[Category:American tennis commentators]]
[[Category:Christians from Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Christians from Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Basketball people from Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Basketball people from Wisconsin]]

Revision as of 16:49, 18 December 2024

For Johnson's father, the former pitcher and broadcaster, see Ernie Johnson Sr.
Ernie Johnson Jr.
Johnson in 2019
Born
Ernest Thorwald Johnson Jr.[1]

(1956-08-07) August 7, 1956 (age 68)
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
EducationUniversity of Georgia (BA)
OccupationOn-air personality / sportscaster for TNT Sports
Years active1977–present
Spouse
Cheryl Johnson
​
(m. 1982)​
Children6
FatherErnie Johnson Sr.

Ernest Thorwald Johnson Jr. (born August 7,[2] 1956) is an American sportscaster for TNT Sports. He is the television voice and a studio host for Major League Baseball on TBS, hosts Inside the NBA for TNT and NBA TV, and contributes to the joint coverage of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament for TNT Sports and CBS Sports. His father was Ernie Johnson Sr., a Major League Baseball pitcher and Atlanta Braves play-by-play announcer.[3]

Early life

Johnson was born in 1956 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His father, Ernie Johnson Sr., was a Major League Baseball player who later became a television sports commentator.[4] Johnson's family moved to Atlanta, Georgia, after his father retired from professional baseball in 1964, when Ernie was eight years old.

Johnson attended high school at the Marist School, a private Catholic school in Brookhaven, Georgia, and graduated in 1974. He then went to the University of Georgia and majored in journalism.[5] Johnson played first base on the Bulldogs baseball team his freshman year.[6] He graduated in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude.[5][6]

Career

During college, Johnson got his first sportscasting job as the news and sports director for the radio station WAGQ-FM in Athens, Georgia.[3]

In 1979, Johnson was hired as a news anchor at WMAZ-TV in Macon, Georgia. He worked there until 1981, when he was hired as a news reporter at WSPA-TV in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Johnson worked in Atlanta at WSB-TV as a general assignment news reporter in 1982. He became the station's weekend sports anchor and reporter in 1983. He held those jobs until 1989, when he left to join Turner Sports.[3]

From 1993 to 1996, Johnson called Atlanta Braves baseball games for SportSouth (now FanDuel Sports Network South) with his father.[3]

TNT Sports

NBA on TNT

Main article: NBA on TNT
Johnson (left) with longtime broadcasting partners Kenny Smith (center) and Charles Barkley, 2011

Known as "E.J.", Johnson works as the studio host for TNT's coverage of the NBA, including pregame and halftime shows, and the network's famous postgame studio show that airs after each NBA doubleheader, Inside the NBA. He has hosted the show since 1990.[7][8]

At the end of each broadcast, Ernie presents "E.J.'s Neat-O Stat of the Night", which has become a popular part of the show but is sponsored by no one, hence the sign that says "Your logo here". This changed in 2007 when vitaminwater sponsored the segment, replaced by Panasonic's Viera line of televisions in 2008. For the 2005–06 season, his segments were sponsored by Intel Centrino and Suzuki. In the 2008 NBA Playoffs, his segments were presented by Geico and vitaminwater.

For all NBA-related shows, Johnson is joined by former NBA stars Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, and occasionally Chris Webber, Grant Hill, or Reggie Miller. In the 2012–13 season he was joined by Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway and Dennis Scott while Smith and Barkley covered March Madness on CBS.

Johnson also hosts Tuesday Fan Night on sister station NBA TV, alongside Webber and Greg Anthony. He also hosts and moderates NBA TV's Open Court, a basketball-panel show featuring Johnson and a rotation of six panelists (all of whom are TNT NBA analysts) discussing various topics, ranging from the history of the NBA to the current state of the league.

In October 2022, Johnson signed a long-term contract extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports to continue as a host on Inside the NBA.[9]

Non-NBA assignments

Johnson (right) in the broadcast booth with Cal Ripken Jr. during the 2012 American League Division Series

In addition to working basketball, Johnson is also the play-by-play announcer for TNT's PGA Tour coverage. At TBS, he worked as the studio host for its coverage of college football. In 2002, Johnson was co-winner of the Sports Emmy for Outstanding Sports Personality, Studio Host, tying with Bob Costas of NBC and HBO. It was the first time he had been nominated for a Sports Emmy. In 2006, Johnson won the award again, this time on his own, snapping Costas's six-year streak, including the year the two shared the honor. From 2007 to 2009, Johnson worked as the studio host alongside Cal Ripken Jr. for TBS's coverage of Major League Baseball. In 2010, he moved into a play-by-play role for the network, serving as the lead broadcaster for TBS's playoff coverage, including the 2010 ALCS. He also broadcast 40 Atlanta Braves games on sister channel Peachtree TV. In 2020, Johnson again became a studio host for the network's pregame and postgame show while continuing his play-by-play role for TBS's coverage of Major League Baseball.

Johnson's past work at TNT included roles as studio host for The Championships, Wimbledon, from 2000 to 2002, studio host for its National Football League coverage from 1990 to 1997, and various duties at the 1994, 1998, and 2001 Goodwill Games, as well as the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France, and the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer. He was the studio host for TNT's coverage of the 1990 FIFA World Cup. He co-hosted Barkley's now-defunct talk show, Listen Up! Past work at TBS includes working as studio host for its NBA coverage. Johnson also called weightlifting for NBC's coverage of the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. He serves as a studio host for the NCAA tournament for CBS and Turner Sports, alternating with Greg Gumbel.

In 2015, Johnson won his third Sports Emmy for Best Studio Host, and gave his award to the daughters of the late Stuart Scott, who died in January 2015.[10]

Johnson is also a sportscaster on NBA Live 98, and the NBA 2K franchise since 2014.[11]

Career timeline

Personal life

Johnson and his wife, Cheryl, a licensed professional counselor, live in Braselton, Georgia. They have two biological children and four adopted children.[12]

Raised Catholic,[13] Johnson now[when?] identifies as Protestant and works on a regular basis with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Athletes in Action (AIA), and Samaritan's Feet.[citation needed]

Johnson is a devoted Atlanta Braves fan. Though he was born in Milwaukee, his family moved to the Atlanta area when he was nine, and he considers it his hometown. He attended high school at the Marist School in Brookhaven, Georgia.[citation needed]

On the November 10, 2016, edition of Inside the NBA, Johnson and co-hosts were discussing the 2016 U.S. presidential election and Donald Trump's upset over Hillary Clinton. While giving his remarks, Johnson talked about the build-up to Election Day, and how he would lean on his Christian faith and pray for the transition of power and for the division in the country. He also revealed that he wrote in his vote for Ohio governor John Kasich, who was one of the 17 Republican candidates and the last to suspend his campaign.[citation needed]

In April 2017, he released his memoir, Unscripted: The Unpredictable Moments That Make Life Extraordinary.[1]

Health

In 2003, Johnson was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, but continued his work through June 2006, when he began treatment. Due to his cancer, he missed TNT's coverage of the British Open and PGA Championship, the last two major golf tournaments of 2006. Johnson returned to Inside the NBA on October 31, 2006, while continuing chemotherapy.[citation needed]

On October 1, 2018, Johnson announced that he would not be a part of the 2018 MLB postseason on TBS after being diagnosed with blood clots in both of his legs, which affects his ability to travel by air.[14]

Awards and honors

Publications

  • Johnson, Ernie Jr. (2017). Unscripted: The Unpredictable Moments That Make Life Extraordinary. Baker Publishing Group. ISBN 9781493406999.

References

  1. ^ a b Johnson, Ernie Jr. (2017). Unscripted: The Unpredictable Moments That Make Life Extraordinary. foreword by John Smoltz. Baker Books. ISBN 978-0-8010-7410-3.
  2. ^ Ernie Johnson, Jr [@turnersportsej] (August 7, 2018). "Thanks Turner family— it's the only place I've ever wanted to work—29 years and counting" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  3. ^ a b c d "Ernie Johnson Biography". CNN Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on February 21, 2004 – via Wayback Machine.
  4. ^ Smith, Curtis. "Ernie Johnson Jr". Society For American Baseball Research. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  5. ^ a b Rangus, Eric. "Ernie Johnson Jr.: Writing the script". UGA Today. University of Georgia. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  6. ^ a b "ERNIE JOHNSON, JR. - HARTMAN AWARD RECIPIENT". georgiadogs.com. February 24, 2016.
  7. ^ "Ernie Johnson Jr". erniejohnsonjr.com.
  8. ^ Williams, Madison (June 29, 2023). "Charles Barkley Heartwarmingly Surprised Ernie Johnson With Broadcasting Hall of Fame News". Sports Illustrated. Johnson has worked with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports for 34 years, he said, and has worked in broadcasting for over four decades. He's hosted Inside the NBA on TNT since 1990.
  9. ^ Chavkin, Daniel. "TNT Announces 'Inside the NBA' Crew's Future Amid Charles Barkley Contract". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved October 19, 2022.
  10. ^ "Ernie Johnson of TNT gives Sports Emmy Award to Stuart Scott's daughters". ESPN.com. May 6, 2015.
  11. ^ "Ernie Johnson". IMDb. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  12. ^ Sanchez, Mark W. (October 30, 2021). "Michael Johnson, son of Turner Sports broadcaster Ernie Johnson, dead at 33".
  13. ^ Romano, Jason (April 5, 2017). "TNT Host Ernie Johnson – "Trust God ... Period"". SportsSpectrum.com.
  14. ^ Yomtov, Jesse (October 1, 2018). "Announcer Ernie Johnson will skip MLB playoffs due to blood clots". USA Today. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  15. ^ Brown, Kirkpatrick, MacMullen, and Scott voted into NSMA HOF – NSMA
  16. ^ "Ernie Johnson Jr. inducted as 2019 IWU World Changer". www.indwes.edu.
  17. ^ "Watch: Charles Barkley surprises Ernie Johnson with news of Hall of Fame induction". USA TODAY. Retrieved October 26, 2023.
Preceded by Lead play-by-play announcer, Major League Baseball on TBS
2010
2012–2016 		Succeeded by
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