• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025

Chargers-Broncos on CBS Made History with Producer-Director Pairing

  • The broadcast was run by the likely first African-American producer and director pair in NFL history.
  • Kimani Morales and Mark Grant had previously worked together on college sports broadcasts.
cbs_logo_on_microphone
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos game on CBS on Nov. 1 was produced by what was likely the first African-American producer and director duo in NFL history, according to The Athletic. 

The game was produced by Kimani Morales and directed by Mark Grant. 

“I was afraid that my career would end before I had the chance to work with a person of color sitting next to me,” Grant told The Athletic. “I have been privileged to cover many great sporting events in my time at CBS and have sat next to many talented producers. However when my career is over, I want to be remembered as someone who helped open the doors for others who look like me. Kimani and I working side-by-side is just the beginning. Hopefully one day people of color leading a production becomes so common that no one even notices.”

Grant has worked for CBS Sports since 1998 and previously spent a decade at ESPN. He and Morales had worked together prior to the Chargers-Broncos game on non-NFL properties, including last week for a Louisiana-Lafayette-UAB college football and on college basketball games, according to The Athletic.

For Morales, who has been at CBS in various roles since 2000, Chargers-Broncos was his first time serving as a lead NFL producer. 

“I’d go with appreciative, bittersweet and hopeful as my main thoughts,” Morales told The Athletic. “I’m appreciative because there was no guarantee this day was coming. Without Mark it doesn’t happen. Without belief from management it doesn’t happen. Without great co-workers who pass down knowledge and support it doesn’t happen. But it’s also bittersweet because it is crazy how few Black producers and directors exist when the main sports we cover have so many Black athletes and fans.”

Morales said that changing the norm is top-of-mind. According to 2018 data from the U.S. government, 6.93% of producers and directors across all industries are Black, while 77% are white. 

“So how do we change that? Answering that question is my mindset right now because if we all operate the same as it was not much will improve. I am hopeful since I’ve seen the Black community at CBS Sports unite to support one another and actively work with management on planning out steps for short term, long term and systemic change,” he said. “The goal is to have a day like today become ordinary, and I think with everyone pulling in the same direction it can happen.”

“CBS management is very aware of the lack of African-American producers and directors and is aggressively making a push to give deserving people of color a chance,” Grant said. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

$3.8 Billion Commanders Stadium Deal Approved Despite Late Drama

A decisive final vote on the stadium followed some last-minute snags.
Donald Trump
exclusive

Trump’s Unprecedented Super Bowl Visit Cost Secret Service More Than $120K

Trump was the first president to attend the Super Bowl.

CFB TV Ratings Stay Hot As Georgia-Tennessee Sets ABC High of 12.6M

ABC has had four games that have topped 10 million viewers this season.
Maria Taylor

Maria Taylor Talks About ‘Moving Differently’ in ESPN-NBC Jump

Taylor will be NBC Sports’ lead NBA and WNBA studio host.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.

Fever Ratings Fall Without Clark, but Rest of WNBA Game 1s Surge

The Indiana Fever game drew 47% fewer viewers this year.
exclusive
September 16, 2025

ESPN, Fox One Added 1M Sign-Ups in First 10 Days After Launch

The two high-profile streaming services have strong starts with consumers.
Sep 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a reception defended by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) during the fourth quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 16, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Sets Early NFL TV Ratings Mark

Several new milestones are established with the big early-season matchup.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Greg Olsen
September 16, 2025

Greg Olsen on Tom Brady’s Raiders Role: ‘More Power to Him’

This season, the NFL has relaxed the special Brady broadcasting rules.
Jul 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Injured Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on from the bench during the first half of a basketball game against the Chicago Sky at United Center.
September 15, 2025

WNBA Ratings Rise 3% in 2025 Despite Clark’s Absence

Caitlin Clark played in just 13 of 44 regular-season games.
Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) breaks up a pass intended for Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (85) on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 27-18.
September 15, 2025

Amazon Shatters Previous Ratings High for 1st NFL Game

“TNF” viewership surges 35% compared to the 2024 season average.
Las Vegas Aces
September 15, 2025

WNBA Playoffs Face ESPN Fall Crunch For Final Time

The games will be spread across three networks next year.