RHIANNON WALKER- on why being herself creates conversations

Rhiannon Walker is unapologetically herself- a self-described tomboy and extrovert, now in her third season covering the Washington Football Team. As a feature writer for the Athletic, Walker is constantly in search of the unique angle or person, during a particularly unusual NFL season. 

The Washington Football Team is embroiled in a name change, owner under fire, a head coach battling cancer and widespread sexual harassment allegations. As one of the victims of the latter, Walker admits it’s been a hard year, and she’s still navigating the after-effects. 

In this raw and at times, emotional interview, Walker shares why being yourself creates conversations. She explains the value of in-person locker room access and how she’s made going in the locker room more comfortable. She breaks down how Covid has changed day-to-day media access and how she’s worked to foster connection via Zoom interviews.

Walker talks about working in her hometown and understanding the fabric of the fanbase. She revisits her time as an associate editor at the Undefeated, combining her knowledge of history and sports. 

Walker reveals her experience as a black woman, who’s openly LGBQT. She conveys the importance of listening when it comes to matters of race and what it means to have a sounding board in organizations like NABJ and AWSM. Walker discusses how she maximized her internship experiences. 

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