ESPN’s Mina Kimes: Yale Graduate to NFL Analyst on Earning Respect in an Unlikely Space | The Pivot

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As we head into March, we are highlighting the stories and journeys of some unique women that truly embody the meaning of Pivot and have found success in unlikely areas.
Today we sit down with Mina Kimes, a woman and friend we all admire and truly respect for the niche she has created and breaking barriers for women in sports and television. As an ESPN NFL analyst, media personality and writer, Mina has set the standard and continues to raise the bar in sports analytics. This conversation covers everything from her academic success, embracing her Korean heritage and the importance of representation which has led to finding her voice in the industry.
Graduating summa cum laude from Yale University, some may say Mina may be over qualified for talking football and stats but she shares her why with Channing, Ryan and Fred as she explains she took what she was good at and mixed it with doing what she loves. Mina opens up about her relationship with her father and the influence he’s had on developing her love for football. Being raised as a military child and always moving around, Mina credits her nomadic life as the foundation of her strength and adaptability.
Being a Korean woman is not the traditional candidate for this job, which Mina talks about relying on her coworkers to give her confidence and acceptance but admittedly opening up on her struggles with imposter syndrome for a lot of her career and an extreme focus on perfection. Fred relates to this to fight or flight vulnerability and opens up about doubtful times he had during his rookie year and how he overcame it as well.
Mina’s intelligence and unique spin combining numbers and football makes her a rarity in the sport media space and a pivotal member of ESPN’s highly respected NFL Live show.
An avid Seattle sports fan, Mina couldn’t leave without talking football and proving her predictions for the organization and future with Geno Smith.
Tap in every Tuesday at noon eastern for our premiere episode of the Pivot. Special drops on Friday afternoons at 3:30 pm. We are your one-stop platform for all your sports and entertainment content.
Written by Aniyha Jones

[@TheBookOfSammy]

Mina is THE BEST and she is the epitome of “SHUT YOUR MOUTH” for those men out there that think women can’t sit at the table with them and talk Ball. She’s a breath of fresh air and knowledgeable on an array of issues and subject. Much love and much love to The Pivot Fam🙏🏾🙏🏾🤲🏿

[@ptyten9718]

She's a breath of fresh air in these sports debate spaces where some of these dudes just rely on hot takes or their reputation to keep their job. She actually knows what she's talking about, salute!

[@GottaLookInwardToSeeOutward]

the hell she is gtfoh

[@jamgamer]

Disagree, she’s a salty Seahawks fan who’s very salty on the inside. Have seen it for years.

[@mikelambo7133]

Yea I fk wit her fr

[@scotty10001]

@@jamgamer the only one sounding salty is you

[@jojohns-sq9cq]

She just knows Analytics you all are crazy if you think she knows what she's talking about😂 they have reporters like Josina Anderson that actually knows football for Anita marks it's not a female thing she doesn't know what she's talking about

[@ghart22]

I’ve always loved Mina. She’s respectful, smart as hell, and knows how to bring takes without being a hot takes person. We need more of that in sports television. LOVE YEW MINA

[@SuperOmnicronsj44]

No, we need people that have actually played the game with no IDEOLOGICAL or POLITICAL view INJECTED into the proceedings. Soon a lot of these types will be out of our game as well as the NBA.

[@parkjeehooon]

mina rocks and i love how ryan and the guys are so supportive of her

[@yolo25000]

I like the fact that she doesn't seem "dropped" into a group of ex football players, coaches, and sportswriters, to either "host" or referee them and their opinions while being just a glorified pretty face. She actually KNOWS the nuances of the game and conveys it to the audience without it seeming like a script. KEEP DOING YOUR THING MINA!!!

[@BALLSOHARDU]

Mina is legit. Anyone questioning her should also question all the GMs and coaches who sucked at football or never played.

[@yellowflash1971]

They do…

[@troyho1671]

Lmao

[@tokoraider1942]

Just like the other TV peoples she's wrong 99 percent of the time

[@austinlee_inc]

Mina’s opinions are just entertainment, nobody should be taking it seriously if you’re actually trying to learn football lol

[@rythmikeffect]

👏🏾

[@zachb2943]

I think she's relatable, humble yet highly intelligent, knows ball, works hard, and seems to be kind to people. Haters gon hate I guess but I always appreciate Mina's breakdowns and opinions.

[@SuperOmnicronsj44]

Haters aren't gonna hate. Lovers of football just want football from people who have PLAYED the game. She just a social justice insert.

[@kacornish1]

⁠@@SuperOmnicronsj44 it’s PATHETIC to have so much fear and hate for an intelligent woman. You probably think she should stay in the kitchen so she won’t be a threat to you.

[@hellogoodbye4061]

So let's get this straight - anyone who disagrees with you or with this obvious over-the-top diversity hire is a "hater"....sweet mother of God, everyone, I can NOT make this stuff up!

[@jakebarnes1950]

Mina Kimes is the best! Every time I listen to her, I want just five minutes more of her knowledge, passion for football, and charming self!

[@babychristian8866]

Mina is a legit analyst. She really knows her stuff.

[@krisnarefaagusta16]

RC as well, they are on ESPN's NFL Live.

[@mauriciokrebs2913]

@@krisnarefaagusta16 "IF WASNT FOR THAT BLOWN KNEE ID BE IN NBA, BRO! I SWEAR! TONS OF PROPOSALS!"

[@earnestbrowniii]

As soon as I saw Mina Kimes' name on this Pivot Podcast, I had to watch this episode. Mina K. is one of my favorite TV people, does not matter that it is sports. Her insight, candor, knowledge, and humility shine on ESPN and in this episode. Am 14:53 into this episode and am looking forward to the rest of it. Keep doing what you are doing Mina K., you are appreciated. Thanks for bringing Mina K. to the Pivot Podcast; Channing C., Ryan C., Fred T., Aliica Z., and thanks for coming onto the Pivot Podcast, Mina K.

[@jawanzag]

I am so glad to see that I am not the only one. She is so smart and insightful. You better bring your "A" game when debating her because she is tough and very knowledgeable.

[@peytonjmusic]

Her demeanor is way more laid back than I expected in normal conversation!

[@mattlau95]

As an Asian American I’m super inspired by Mina, and her content is always top-notch. So is Channing’s teeth 😊

[@kendrickbridges2852]

I love this podcast..... always surprised of the guest. My reaction was THEY HAVE MINA ON. Clicked on so fast

[@parlayking1767]

Right lol

[@RottenSircus]

My lady made me watch this episode with her in the mancave 👏👏👏 salute Mina from Philadelphia

[@jordan12118]

Mina is the best personality at espn. Love her analysis

[@cgwami]

Always been a huge fan of Mina (miss her and Pablo on Le Batard), but just have to say RC is a great interviewer. He genuinely cares about understanding his guest’s journey, history, and motivations.

[@leonardalon173]

Representation is always awesome. Thank you for being the trailblazer you are Mina. Keep killing it!

[@Ree_Devon24]

She legit doesn't get enough credit for what she brings to ESPN. She's easily one of the most interesting people there & that 1-900 voice she has doesn't hurt either

[@theodorelandryiii9281]

I'm in a new job right now myself and listening to Mina talk about the anxiety of making mistakes is so real. Love, LOVE this conversation.

[@cratty16]

It's actually a night and day difference with Mina speaking on TV compared to a nice sit down setting. She is so calm cool and collected. It's nice to see

[@TheBoomBoomBOOGIE]

Mina is hands down one of the best NFL analysts. Great to see her in this light. Another great interview by the Pivot.

[@TrentShakeGV]

I’ve grown to be a fan of Mina K and I love her so much more after this! She is awesome and really knows her stuff. Respect ✊🏾

[@SterlingABTV]

This woman deserves her own show on ESPN she's amazing

[@sinsincere5748]

🎯

[@sarahtanis1235]

💯

[@michaelsimmons-sc5ds]

I would definitely watch

[@HCaulfield115]

Yes! 💯

[@Rodnyet]

I'm always impressed by a woman that know their sports especially football which is a male sport. Mina Kimes definitely knows football and is great covering it and that's why I follow her on Twitter. Great interview fellas 👏🏾

[@Jimmyfly215]

She's insanely good with analytics that actually have meaning to the game. And she's pretty good at evaluating QBs. Solid

[@hmongentertainment2022]

Mina is awesome. You know she does her homework and she covers all aspects when analyzing players or teams with no bias.

[@iamjennasmith]

Women are truly changing the game in sports! I am a Columbia Grad and current analyst at a Sports Tech Venture Capital firm - with the plan to gain equity in future sports leagues and startups. Loved this interview!

[@troypolamalupittsburghdyna8181]

How does someone go to a Ivy league school and end up talking about sports?

[@galenmerrick]

I'm rooting for you Jenna.

[@iamjennasmith]

@@galenmerrick thank you!!

[@iamjennasmith]

@@troypolamalupittsburghdyna8181 High GPA in Undergrad + Involvement (Job in Sports, volunteer, project research). I also wrote about the impact I planned to have in the industry after I completed my Masters degree and why I am passionate about the industry. Apply early! Get good recommendation letters from professors. I went straight from undergrad to Columbia. Hope this helps!

[@justhere8417]

I've always appreciated her just being in the space then I learned to respect her knowledge, now I'm hooked for life. Bravo.

[@jjp024]

Mina is one of the analysts I completely respect, no matter the gender. She knows more about actual football than alot of other people.

[@slypnsly]

She so chill I love it

[@lynnissa6450]

"Did anybody ever say Ms. Kimes ima kick yo ass" 😂😂😂 Fred low-key hilarious

[@stephenmay1343]

From Phylis George and Jane Kennedy to the multimedia world of radio, internet, and sports-centered TV she brings intellect to an American blood and guts industry. Well job fellas for bringing human insight.

[@11matt11]

Phyllis George is one of the most underappreciated football studio hosts of our time. Her professionalism set the standard for the NFL, and paved the way for so many. NFL Live reminds me of the best of the original "NFL Today", with Phyllis, Brent, Irv and The Greek, because they have the same type of incredible chemistry and joy of reporting and analysing.

[@whartonmarc1]

The Pivot, from one man’s lens, is the single best podcast there is. And Mina, been an enormous fan since her Dan & Stu days - truly love what she does.

[@JordanJMyers]

Mina has always been awesome. Her laugh is contagious lol. Great interview

[@Thealligator_man]

"One of them Zuckleberg." -Chan🤣. Best podcast around rn

[@BangingYourDaughtersDaily]

Chan is comedian. He's my favorite 1. I love how gentle & calm Fred is. RC understands how to communicate the most & talks more than Chan & Fred combined, but he does it in a way where he doesn't hog the show like B.Marsh

[@m_js5709]

RC, Freddy, & Channing all ask great questions (Channing sometimes), but RC has near flawlessly crafted questions each show. The phrasing & word choices are so purposeful & precise.

[@AnlStarDestroyer]

“Channing sometimes” 😂 that man does his best leave him alone

[@lmkidd]

Lol.

[@aaronlewis2501]

Ryan question are too long winded, he try’s to be introspective but it comes off wordy

[@ascales30]

Channing asks the questions "we" really want to ask....😆

[@wikedwun]

Mina is so underrated on ESPN always luv her takes. So intelligent

[@MrNudenelly]

I absolutely loved this!!!! In watching Mina on NFL live and being the genius she is its so amazing to hear about her upbringing and what brought her to the game

[@krisnarefaagusta16]

And RC too.

[@nqobilemalaza9838]

I really get being into sports as a way of connecting to, and sharing with my dad... Talking 'ball is such a good way to open up conversations about other issues. It's the strength of Pivot and NFL Live teams - that ability to use sports as a platform to have more rounded and inspiring conversations.

[@ashwinvenkat950]

Absolutely love Mina Kimes and I'm so glad The Pivot team gave her the platform to share her experiences. I can relate to what Mina is talking about in regards to Imposter Syndrome and that anxiety of making a mistake, which is quite natural especially when you really care about what you do. I go through that in my day-to-day job working as an engineer in a corporate firm everyday. I appreciate her sharing her experience and viewpoint. She does such a phenomenal job on NFL Live and breaking down the game that allows me to learn it every time I watch the show. ❤

[@Will-ex2wr]

Mina is a awesome analyst, mad respect to her. I love this show.

[@Br0Ni3Br0N]

Man I love me some Mina!!!🫶🏾🔥 Beautiful, intelligent, down to earth, & knows her football. Yes sir I’m here for it.

[@Rico-vf7uz]

Mina knows more football than most men I know. I love her 💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@latobat9989]

Man oh man! The GREAT Mina Kimes is on the Pivot… Love that you guys are highlighting someone who has changed the game in terms of making fans understand football better, and is powerful with her words on socially hard subjects. It’s up! ☝️

[@sungodpharaoh4416]

Mina is one of the dopest people at espn. Ive always felt like that. I love her opinions and she knows her stuff. Great job fellas on shining a light on her, she deserves it.

[@bundaho]

You guys are awesome... Thx for creating The Pivot...

[@Firestorm2814Sector]

I love Mina!!! What a great guest to have on the show !

[@reesereese6510]

Mina is point blank period one of the best analyst in the game and for sure the one person I sit down and listen to her breakdown the game

[@c.j.4760]

Man let me tell you something I’ve been listening to sports analyst for over 30 years. I’ve seen and paid attention to the rise of likes of Stewart Scott, up until now Nick Wright, A protege of Collin Cowherd, Mina is literally my favorite on sports television. She deserves all her flowers and, I can’t wait to see her take her correct spot amongst the best in the game

[@jasonedwards7784]

Didn’t know she was a protege of Cowherd

[@danwybrow7226]

Mina crushes it. Big brain, love her humble vibe despite HAVING to know she’s smarter than most people she’s ever in the same room with. As a Denver fan, her only sin is the Seattle fan-hood… some wounds will never heal 😆

[@23WAL]

Mina is just scratching the surface! She can do so much more and will impact the sports reporting world on another level for years to come.

[@jimmyeatworldoliviarodrigo88]

Mina kimes is my favorite ESPN analyst 😍🥰❤

[@sousaechao5216]

I love it! Thank you Mina, for bringing up your an Asian. As an Asian person, it feel good to have a little representative of our people.

[@BC2023NYC]

Another great episode. I love That no matter who’s the guest the episodes are always incite full and you can tell there’s a ton of love for Mina. Mina is great and glad she’s been getting more n more shine

[@reggiemadden8213]

Mina, you're a national treasure. I swear the world is a better place with people like you. Just keep being you!

[@yonathanseleshi]

I feel like this is something anyone who engages in social media has to learn. Trolls try to bring you down. That's their coping mechanism. We have to discount other people's opinions if not fully ignore them. You have to love yourself. I felt what Mina was saying here.. 30:58

[@u2kleenj]

Mina is dope !! She knows what she's talking about and her intelligence is what makes her so great. Some people see looks or other outward things but she seems so down to earth and so smart that she doesn't make you feel beneath her intelligence but that u are the same as her. Definitely a great person to have a conversation with rather it be sports or whatever.

[@aaliques]

Great interview with Mina, one of the best analysts going around.

[@audiobackdrops18]

Mina is solid AF! Smart but not a know it all nerd, beautiful but not a sexy bimbo. Confident but humble. Mainstream acceptance but she is proud of her culture. Surrounded by professional athletes but not a fan girl or a gold digger. Elite intelligence but relatable.

[@detroitskate1]

i am finally catching up and I must say this was a dope interview. Mina inspired me to take knowledge of the game to the next level.

[@dddowling051]

As usual…the pivot never disappoints! Great interview with a dope individual in Mina. As a father of a daughter looking to get into the sport’s broadcasting/journalism business she is definitely someone my daughter can learn from. Respect ✊🏾

[@ahmedsab499]

Can’t wait to listen/watch your daughter in future. Wish her best of luck!

[@Jragon_Baller]

Always been a Mina fan but knowing she taught in my city somehow bumped her up even more. Great guest selection!

[@mrtllove]

bmore stand up

[@LoneStar_yota]

Definitely one of my favorite analysts it’s a bonus that she happens to be a female. Much respect

[@TWaitersII]

I rock with the Pivot. Since Day 1...since Fred T and Channing were on the "other" podcast. Don't hold me out fam, drop that PRIME episode! 🎥

[@howulikemenow3011]

They pulled "Mina Fines"🤩💪🏾 . Love Her

[@bernardgunter6057]

I had given up watching pre-game and post game football shows because it was just hot take after hot take. Then I watched Ryan and Mina really analyze a game and back up what they said with stats and game film. They have pulled me back in. Best combo in the game. And I love it when Mina says, "wins are not a QB statistic"!

[@Matte_blacck]

I called it, from the first time I listened to her, i know football, and i know when people knows football, she knows football, she rocks!!

[@Ness315]

Mina is def top tier in the sports journalism game, good interview

[@Dr.Philly]

Mina is so inspiring!

[@danielblocker4563]

I love her so much😭😭

[@desirabenbow7810]

Mina is the best! Love her laid back way of communicating. Her football knowledge is impressive! Guys that can’t take it aren’t worthy to be in the same room as her.

[@kamronhiggins6903]

That was solid. Great job on this one and Mina was amazing. The way she speaks about the game and highlights key matchups seems effortless for her. Dope interview ✊🏾

[@makepeaceu]

I absolutely love her. Glad you guys decided to have her on. What I am ready to let go of is that a woman can’t understand information. Football like any other subject is just information and how we process it. Let’s let’s chill out a little bit on the fact that oh wow a woman can understand cover two or cover three it’s just information. Great show

[@Jdilla76]

MAN Look! Mina is the BOMB! I Love Me Some NFL Live! Mina, Laura, Ryan, Marcus, and Dan by far is their best lineup. I've been a fan of the NFL for decades, so I know and appreciate the game. I still find myself learning more stuff from their breakdown of the game.

[@jaygarcia9477]

I love Mina. She needs to be on TV more. Stay Blessed Mina 🙏

[@SupermanHopkins]

Don't think I've ever clicked on a Pivot episode so fast. The guests just keep getting better and better!

[@audiobackdrops18]

First time I saw her on ESPN I wasn’t expecting to be so impressed. Im even more impressed after this!

[@NP-ju5tm]

Love this interview!! She gets even more respect from me. Love her disposition.

[@budgreen7894]

Great interview. I really like Mina a lot. There are retired nfl players that don't know football like her. Great show yall

[@tinomutasa5371]

Honestly Mina is one of the BEST PUNDITS OUT. She drops real bars with intellect. Also I like her laugh

[@4523bgb]

As a military brat as well, totally agree....we're always the new kid. It's like an audition every time you move to fit in and make friends. We are totally the opposite of strait up introverts.

[@Cport912]

Absolutely amazing interview once again fellas. It's good to learn the back stories of these folks that we watch every day on tv. Like where do these smart ass analyst come from lol. Now we know Mina is a damn 1 in a million scholar that just so happens to love football and is even better at breaking the game down.

[@Nic_Ohhh]

She’s an amazing reporter. Inspiration to the Asian American population

[@bankston11]

This was a great interview! I want to learn football so bad! You're right, Mina! Women really do love football. Keep up the great work! Ryan, the pivot question is Fred's! LOL

[@troypolamalupittsburghdyna8181]

There's better things to be doing in life than sitting down for 4 hours for a game that's 90% commercials.

[@illisticrecords]

24:14 is so insightful.... The way she articulated the feeling of not wanting to loss everything because you never had anything very well. In a room full of black men she related to them unbelievably. 👊🏾 She is really dope!!!

[@bencromwell707]

Mina She's A Great Football 🏈 Personality💯👍

[@theodorebelcher6924]

Big up Y"all on having Mina on l love this episode l love her takes she definitely knows what she is talking about my only knock on her she is a Seahawks Fan l'm a Niners Fan..lol but have love for you Mina keep up the good work

[@MonteWeaverofficial]

Mina is one of the best!

[@ws6428]

This was right on time..Mina is legit 👍🏾 great show!!

[@juliusmoore2176]

Huge fan of Mina! She's one of the best in sports media.

[@113lostmalice]

Just happened upon this. It was awesome. Mina seems so real and fun to be around. Keep up the great work

[@gregwright2059]

Girl is gorgeous! Smart, humble, hardworking, realistic, funny, etc. Fantastic person.

[@canakaoglu7158]

So cool that you had Mina on the pod! She's great and should have way more visibility!

[@doris7314]

Keep up the great work Mina❤️ you at ESPN🏈

[@RGHD912]

Love Mina’s take on sports, her input is always interesting and on point!

[@alannurse7453]

Loved her on Highly Questionable. She's the real deal.

[@Ohmug3nW3apon13]

Love Mina kimes, from one Asian to another Asian, we’re all proud of her. She a gem.❤

[@blackspider1405]

All these people lining up to get Mina when she becomes a free agent, don't bother. I can almost guarantee ESPN will pay a lot of money to keep her. She's ones of my favorites. A truly great analyst. And really, really cool.

[@11matt11]

A little inside stuff. Many of the people who are lined up to pay her, really like her as a person, and they're forcing ESPN to go 7 digits just to keep her. She will most likely stay at ESPN, because it gives her the best platform to grow even more.

[@johnhardy7764]

LOOOVEEE MINA!! Somebody gotta be hittin that 😂 any woman that knows sports like her is a diamond

[@GregCimilluca]

Another great episode/ example of why this is one of the best subscriptions you can have on yt