What you can expect from Jonathan Alexander as he begins to cover the Carolina Panthers
The first time my parents realized I’d likely be a journalist, I was 6 years old.
I struggled to believe in Santa Claus because I could not comprehend how an old man with an extremely large gut could shimmy down a chimney and deliver presents to every child in the world.
I asked my parents questions until I got real answers.
I’ve always been a truth-seeker and I think it’s a journalist’s duty to find it.
Growing up, I loved sports. I also loved to write. After my hoops and baseball dreams didn’t work out, I combined those two passions and became a sports journalist.
I’ve loved every minute of it. Ten years later, I’m thrilled to join The Charlotte Observer to cover the Carolina Panthers.
I’m a native of Charlotte, so I can recall grabbing The Charlotte Observer from our front porch at 8 or 9 years old. I read columnists like Scott Fowler and Tom Sorensen (Sorry, Tom and Scott, if I made you feel old there). It has been awesome to work and learn from Scott, who has produced so many great stories during his time here. His stories and podcast on Rae Carruth’s son, an impressive young man who survived a tragedy, was one of the best stories I’ve ever read and listened to.
I’m also excited to work with Alaina Getzenberg, who I’ve been impressed with over the last eight months. She was the only person on the beat for a significant time, started in the middle of the 2019 season, competed against experienced reporters and was still able to write great stories and break news.
Together, and with Matt Stephens as our editor, I believe we’ll be a strong team.
What you can expect from me is a fair and honest reporter. I’m a straight-shooter and I plan to tell it like it is. With the coronavirus threatening the 2020 NFL season, and players speaking out about social justice issues, this will likely be one of the most interesting seasons ever in the NFL. My goal is to find and tell great stories and break news, and I take my own unique approach.
In the past, I’ve shot videos where I played video games with former UNC guard Kenny Williams. I played H.O.R.S.E. with Cam Johnson, who now plays for the Phoenix Suns. (For the record, I gave him a run for his money.)
I played soccer with former UNC women’s basketball player, Paris Kea. And I raced Olympic runner Johnny Dutch to show the difference between an Olympian and a mortal. The difference was vast. While I won’t be allowing any Panthers’ players to tackle me, I hope to find other creative opportunities to get to know these players.
I value fans’ opinions, so don’t hesitate to tweet, email me or leave a message on my voicemail if you have a story idea or criticism.
I’ve lived in the Raleigh-Durham area for the past 10 1/2 years after matriculating at N.C. Central University. I worked at The News & Observer in Raleigh for the past seven, where I covered a variety of beats, including UNC football and basketball, and Duke basketball. There, I worked with some of the best journalists in the country in Jonas Pope IV, Steve Wiseman, Joe Giglio, Luke DeCock, Andrew Carter, Chip Alexander and Jessika Morgan. And I had great editors like Todd Adams, Jessaca Giglio and Steve Ruinsky.
But it’s great to be back home. I know how much this community values the Carolina Panthers and I plan to find the many answers you seek.
As I transition from one great sports city to another, I look forward to us providing you with the best Panthers coverage around.
Sincerely,
Jonathan M. Alexander
This story was originally published July 9, 2020 at 6:00 AM.
