WASHINGTON (June 5, 2026) – Howard University's Steve Wyche has created a path for many African-American journalists to follow over the past three decades. It is equally important that he has created a platform to highlight HBCU athletes through his work and dedication.
 
For his dedication, Wyche will be inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame Saturday (June 6) in Atlanta. He joins a list of who's who in Black College Football, who have made their marks in the NFL as players, coaches and contributors.
 
The Black College Football Hall of Fame was founded in 2009 by African-American pioneers, quarterbacks James Harris and Doug Williams to preserve the history and honor the greatest football players, coaches and contributors from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). There have been 130 inductees since inception, including Mel Blount, James Harris, Willie Lanier, Art Shell and Doug Williams, who serve as Trustees. Wyche is only the fourth ever contributor to be inducted since its inception.
 
Wyche joins Nick Collins (Bethune-Cookman), Tyrone Poole (Fort Valley State), Eddie Robinson, Jr. (Alabama State), Jimmy Smith (Jackson State) and Coach Rudy Hubbard (Florida A&M).
 
The Black College Football Hall of Fame has a permanent home at the Pro Football Hall of Fame to tell the story of HBCUs.
 
For Wyche, it all started as sports editor for The Hilltop newspaper back in the late 1980s.
 
Using his training at The Mecca as a foundation, Wyche embarked on a journey for the next 18 years as a highly respected print journalist. He started out at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, covering high school and college athletics. His next stop on the food chain came as a reporter with The Miami Herald where he covered a number of beats, including the Miami Dolphins, the Miami Heat and the University of Florida National Championship football team.
 
His ascension would later take him to The Washington Post as beat reporter for the Washington Wizards and later with the Atlanta Journal Constitution, covering the Atlanta Falcons during the Michael Vick era.
 
Then came the transition from print journalism to the broadcast side in 2008, which proved to be an easy transition for the talented and hard-working Wyche, who had paid his dues.
 
Wyche serves as the Chief National Reporter for NFL Network and NFL.com, spending nearly two decades of delivering insider reports, providing analytical breakdown and hosting marquee network programs. He is highly regarded for his balanced reporting and institutional trust while pioneering work at the intersection of sports, culture and social justice.
 
"When I think about all of the outstanding inductees who have are in the Hall, it is incredibly humbling for me," said Wyche, a native of Minnesota. "I would never have thought that I would even be considered. When you think about all the great inductees in the Hall and then realize that you know and once covered these individuals, it is a very humbling."
 
Wyche points out the various steps in his journey as essential to his rise in the profession, but he makes it crystal clear that none of it would have been possible without the Howard experience.
 
"When you follow or have a chance to follow the HU legacy created by the Howard alums like the Gus Johnsons, the Stan Verretts, the Orlando Ledbetters and Jim Trotters of the profession, it helps prepare you. Because of their contributions and the bar that they set, it motivates you to continue excellence. You feel a certain obligation."
 
Wyche also adds that having attended an HBCU and having conversations with Shannon Sharpe helped motivate him to do whatever he could to promote the works and contributions of the HBCU athletes who went on to have outstanding careers.
 
Wyche becomes the third Howard alum to be honored. After going the first 14 years without an inductee from The Hilltop, Wyche becomes the third straight, following former HU players Antoine "Deuce" Bethea (2024) and Jay "Sky" Walker (2025).
 
"It is such a great honor to be recognized for someone who did not play the game but made such an impact," said Bethea, who retired from the NFL after a distinguished career that included being named to the Pro Bowl and winning a Super Bowl. "He has great respect around the league and did as much to bring recognition and visibility to the players from the HBCU."
 
For Walker, an All-American and quarterback who led Howard to an 11-0 season in 1993, it is expected.
 
"Whether you are talking about athletics, education or professionalism, Steve fills the bill," noted Walker, who is color analyst for ESPN. "But what this award speaks to is his success in pushing for the legacy of HBCUs."
 
In addition to contributing to the increased exposure of HBCU athletes, Wyche has also been instrumental in preparing the next generation.,
 
Kendall Lanier, a 2024 HU graduate, got a position as a sports reporter with TV station KOLN in Lincoln, Neb., in 2025. A year later, her contract ran out but she was quickly hired as a sports reporter for WKRN News 2 in Nashville where she covers, the Tennessee Titans, Tennessee State University Athletics and Vanderbilt University Athletics.
 
"From the day that I met Steve Wyche during my senior year at Howard, he has been an amazing mentor to me," said Lanier. "I am so grateful for the guidance and support. He is a true professional and a great role model for up-and-coming journalists. He represents Howard on one of the biggest stages at NFL Network; yet he finds time to lift people along the way. I am so happy for him and he is truly deserving.
 
Casaya Achampong is a rising junior at Howard, who is entering her second year as color analyst on radio for Howard football, has been the beneficiary of Wyche's tutelage.
 
"I met Mr. Steve Wyche last year, but I had followed him on the NFL Interwork and admired his work," said Achampong. "So, when I got a chance to meet him in person and talk to him about my goals, it was like a dream come true for me. He is a true professional and the definition of persistence. He has paved the way for many. He is a great mentor who always gives good advice to those who are seriously trying to find their way in a competitive industry. He is truly deserving of the honor."
 
Among other accomplishments, Wyche is credited with The Colin Kaepernick Story (2016). Wyche broke the national news story regarding quarterback Colin Kaepernick's decision to kneel during the national anthem. His deliberate, fair approach—focusing heavily on the why behind the protest rather than just the act itself—earned wide praise for framing a complex societal narrative in proper context.
 
A native of Minneapolis who grew up in St. Louis, Wyche currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife of over 30 years and their three sons.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.