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Meet The Enquirer’s Tyler Dragon, your insider on the Cincinnati Bengals beat

Cincinnati Enquirer Bengals beat reporter Tyler Dragon, pictured Thursday, June 27, 2019, at The Cincinnati Enquirer.

Meet Tyler Dragon

Position at The Enquirer: Bengals and NFL reporter. 

Why I became a journalist

My goal after my athletic career was to become a sports journalist. I have a natural, strong passion for most sports and being able to cover professional sports is a dream turned into reality. 

What I like best about my job

I can write an essay on all the great aspects about my job. But meeting people, covering games and traveling are at the top of my list. 

I’ve been fortune enough to meet and cover so many legends, Hall of Famers and great people. I’m honored to be able to share their stories. Also, since joining The Enquirer I’ve gotten the opportunity to cover a Super Bowl and travel to London for a game. The opportunity to go a Super Bowl and travel to new cities are experiences that I’ll remember forever. 

A story I worked on that has had a lasting impact on me

The story is actually pinned on my Twitter page. I interviewed Olympic gold medalist Tommie Smith. 

Smith is a living legend. His “human rights salute” is an iconic moment and image in American history. He is a pioneer in sports history and didn’t just stick to sports during the civil rights movement. Many people look up to him. 

In this Oct. 16, 1968, file photo, extending gloved hands skyward in racial protest, U.S. athletes Tommie Smith, center, and John Carlos stare downward during the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" after Smith received the gold and Carlos the bronze medal in the 200 meter run at the Summer Olympic Games in Mexico City. Australian silver medalist Peter Norman is at left.

As a former track and field athlete, the opportunity to interview Smith about his brief stint with the Bengals, the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, his protest atop of the podium and what he went through as a Black athlete is story that has had a lasting impact on me. If you haven’t read it yet I encourage you to check it out. 

What is the biggest challenge I face

The coronavirus pandemic has presented many challenges for all sports journalists. There was no open locker room access and media availability with trimmed down this year. It’s difficult to produce great content during a pandemic. However, the challenges I faced this year as a journalist pale in comparison to all the devastation COVID-19 has caused.


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