In the world of sports journalism, few voices resonate with such authority and clarity as Kimberley A. Martin. Known for her sharp analysis, fearless reporting, and compelling storytelling, Martin has carved out a respected space in NFL coverage. As an on-air talent for ESPN, she’s more than just a sideline reporter—she’s a leading voice in American sports media.
But who is the woman behind the camera? From her Brooklyn roots to becoming a staple on ESPN, here’s everything you need to know about Kimberley Martin—her early life, career journey, personal story, and her impact in the field of journalism.
Quick Bio Table: Kimberley Martin:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kimberley A. Martin |
| Age | 41 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthdate | January 9, 1984 |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | Approximately 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) |
| Profession | Sports Journalist, NFL Reporter for ESPN |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $800,000 and $2 million |
| Parents | Compton Martin (father, deceased), Camille Martin (mother) |
| Siblings | One sister – Lavidia Martin |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Jeffrey Roberts (married in 2014) |
| Children | None publicly known |
| Social Media | Instagram: @kimberleymartin Twitter: @ByKimberleyA |
| Unique Detail | Co-host of ESPN’s all-female podcast First Take, Her Take |
Early Life and Education
Kimberley A. Martin was born on January 9, 1984, in Brooklyn, New York, where she was raised in a supportive, hard-working African-American family. Her upbringing in one of New York’s most culturally vibrant boroughs shaped her perspective on race, resilience, and storytelling—core themes that would later influence her journalism.
Martin attended Wesleyan University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and African American Studies in 2003. Though she initially pursued psychology, her love for storytelling and current events drew her toward journalism.
Motivated by this newfound passion, she enrolled at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, where she earned a Master’s degree in Magazine, Newspaper, and Online Journalism in 2006. Her academic foundation set the stage for a journalism career rooted in accuracy, empathy, and depth.
Career Highlights and Professional Journey
Kimberley Martin’s journalism journey began well before her rise at ESPN. She honed her reporting skills through various roles that taught her the grind, the ethics, and the hustle required in sports media.
Early Career:
Martin’s first roles included working as a sales assistant at U.S. Trust and a sports writer for The Daily Orange, where she began shaping her voice as a storyteller. She also wrote for The Record and The Post-Standard, gaining experience covering local sports and feature stories.
From 2007 to 2017, Martin spent a decade as an NFL beat writer for Newsday, where she covered the New York Jets and became widely respected for her deep reporting and balanced coverage. This was her breakthrough, allowing her to earn trust within league circles and among readers.
Later Roles:
She then joined The Buffalo News as a columnist and soon after moved to The Washington Post in 2017 to cover the Washington Football Team. In 2018, she transitioned to Yahoo Sports, where she served as a senior NFL writer, covering league-wide news and appearing on various national platforms.
Her big leap came in March 2020, when she joined ESPN as a full-time NFL reporter. At ESPN, Martin contributes to flagship shows like SportsCenter, NFL Live, and Get Up. She’s also a co-host of First Take, Her Take—a podcast that features all-female perspectives on sports, media, and culture.
Martin’s voice is defined by nuance, insight, and courage. She brings a human layer to sports coverage that’s often lost in the noise of scores and stats.
Personal Life and Interests
Away from the studio lights and press boxes, Kimberley Martin leads a grounded and fulfilling life. She married Jeffrey Roberts in 2014. Roberts, a fellow journalist, works as an Associate Director at NJ Advance Media and has won multiple journalism awards himself. Their shared passion for the media industry has been a source of strength in their relationship.
Martin often shares glimpses of her personal life on social media, including her love for dogs—especially her pup, Mircella. A self-described foodie, she enjoys trying new cuisines, traveling, and attending cultural events.
Her grounded nature and genuine personality are often praised by colleagues and fans alike. Despite her success, she remains approachable and focused on the deeper mission of responsible, inclusive storytelling.
Kimberley Martin’s Family Background
Martin credits much of her resilience and ambition to her parents. Her father, Compton Martin, passed away in 2012 after battling cancer. His memory continues to inspire her pursuit of excellence. Her mother, Camille Collins Martin, has been a pillar of support throughout her life and career.
Kimberley also has a sister, Lavidia Martin, who shares a close bond with her. The values instilled by her family—hard work, integrity, and empathy—are reflected in the way Martin conducts herself both personally and professionally.
Age and Physical Appearance
As of May 2025, Kimberley Martin is 41 years old. She stands at around 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall and weighs approximately 157 lbs (71 kg).
Her on-air appearance is marked by confidence, poise, and style. Whether she’s reporting from the field or engaging in a studio debate, Martin presents herself with a professionalism that reflects her years of experience.
Net Worth and Salary
Martin’s impressive journalism career has translated into solid financial success. As of 2025, her estimated net worth is reported to be between $800,000 and $2 million, according to various media sources.
At ESPN, her annual salary is believed to fall between $75,000 and $85,000, depending on contractual terms, appearances, and experience level. In addition to her base pay, she likely earns income through speaking engagements, brand collaborations, and industry panels.
Her financial success is a testament not only to her talent but also to her longevity and consistency in a competitive industry.
Social Media Presence and Public Engagement
Kimberley Martin maintains an active and influential presence across several social media platforms. Her content reflects her personality—informative, thoughtful, and engaging.
- Instagram: @kimberleymartin
- X (formerly Twitter): @ByKimberleyA
Martin uses her platform to not only share sports insights but also amplify underrepresented voices and promote diversity in media.
Lifestyle and Advocacy
Kimberley Martin is more than a reporter—she’s a role model and advocate. As a member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), she consistently supports efforts to create equitable spaces for Black journalists.
She’s a frequent guest speaker at journalism conferences, university panels, and diversity-in-media summits. Her voice is especially important in conversations about race, gender, and media responsibility.
Martin also supports mentorship initiatives, helping the next generation of journalists—particularly women and people of color—navigate the often-challenging media landscape.
Legacy and Influence in Sports Media
Over the past two decades, Kimberley Martin has established herself as one of the most trusted and respected NFL journalists. Her ability to break stories, conduct thoughtful interviews, and offer nuanced analysis sets her apart.
But her influence extends beyond football. She’s helping shape the culture of sports media—one that’s more inclusive, representative, and grounded in truth. For aspiring journalists, Martin’s journey is both a blueprint and a source of inspiration.
Her authenticity, intelligence, and courage have earned her admiration from peers, athletes, and viewers alike. Whether she’s dissecting a Sunday game or spotlighting a personal story, Kimberley Martin brings integrity to every assignment.
Conclusion
Kimberley Martin is a powerful example of what excellence in journalism looks like. From her Brooklyn upbringing to national prominence on ESPN, her story is one of perseverance, passion, and purpose.
She is not only redefining what it means to be an NFL reporter but also helping to shape the future of journalism. In a time where credibility and authenticity matter more than ever, Kimberley Martin continues to lead by example—both on and off the field.
FAQs About Kimberley Martin
1. What does Kimberley Martin do at ESPN?
Kimberley Martin serves as a national NFL reporter at ESPN, contributing to shows like NFL Live, Get Up, and SportsCenter, and co-hosts the podcast First Take, Her Take.
2. How did Kimberley Martin get started in sports journalism?
She began her career writing for college and local newspapers, including The Daily Orange and The Record, before becoming an NFL beat writer for Newsday—her first major role in pro sports coverage.
3. Is Kimberley Martin married to someone in the media industry?
Yes, her husband Jeffrey Roberts is also a journalist. He works as an associate director at NJ Advance Media and has received multiple reporting awards.
4. What makes Kimberley Martin a standout in NFL reporting?
Her ability to combine in-depth league knowledge with sharp storytelling, plus her focus on inclusive, thoughtful coverage, sets her apart in a competitive field.
5. Has Kimberley Martin received any journalism awards?
Yes, she was named NABJ Emerging Journalist of the Year in 2011 and has contributed to Emmy Award–winning coverage at ESPN.
