Video by Camryn Eley
Anchor Lead
Some of the nation’s most recognizable professional athletes have walked through the doors of the University of National Champions. Reporter Camryn Eley talks with one former UNC football player who made it to the next level and has recently decided to take his talents from the field to the broadcast studio.
Take PKG
James Hurst joined the Carolina legacy as one of the top offensive tackles in the nation. The Indiana native left his mark in Kenan Stadium receiving multiple ACC honors and setting new records.
“The coolest thing about my recruiting experience with Carolina was the offensive line coach, Sam Pittman …when he came to my high school he didn’t talk negatively about any schools….that stood out to me and said a lot about him as a person but also the confidence he had that UNC had everything you would need to be a successful player
With hard work and dedication, James showcased his talents with a 10-year career in the NFL, playing for the Baltimore Ravens and New Orleans Saints.
“My career had a lot of movement. You know you go from barely making the team all the way to being a starter for several years toward the end. It was a great ride it was a blast.”
James retired in April and his rock through it all was his wife, Amanda.
“He’s one of the most steady individuals that I know and no matter what college or NFL through him he just stayed so true to himself and who he is in his core.”
With pro football in the rear view, James now has time to focus on other important things in his life.
“We had our daughter 6 months ago, our first one, we moved back home to to North Carolina being around friends and family…..I was very blessed to end football on my terms.”
James hasn’t completely left football just yet. He’s joined a new team and is using his expertise to tackle the media side as an analyst for the Saints.
“My whole life I’ve been speaking with the media, interacting with them…and now being on the exact opposite side is a lot of fun to see stories be created and stories told really well.”
James may have decided to hang up his cleats but when one door closes another will always open. I’m Camryn Eley reporting.
