Live Life Unscripted
"If there’s one thing life has taught me,
it’s not to fear the unscripted but to embrace it."
With one of the most recognized voices in sports broadcasting, Ernie Johnson, Jr. is a tireless perfectionist when it comes to preparing and delivering his commentary. Yet he knows that some of sport's greatest triumphs—and life's greatest rewards—come from those unscripted moments you never anticipated.
This is the untold story, the one Ernie has lived after the lights are turned off and the cameras stop rolling. Whether you're a sports fan, a person touched by cancer, a father or son, an adoptive parent, a caregiver to a person with special needs, or just someone who loves stories about handling life's surprises with grace, Ernie's story will illuminate the beauty of the unscripted moments in your own life.
About Ernie Johnson, Jr.
Ernie is humble, extraordinary, a great man of our time. At least that's what his friends have said and that was just when we asked them about his book.
Most recognized for hosting TNT's Inside the NBA with Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O'Neal, Ernie is an award-winning sports broadcaster and sports journalist. His amazing story delves into his marriage, having and adopting children, his battle with cancer, and all the challenges and hijinx of working in live TV in the sports world.
When Ernie is not behind the mic, sporting his signature bowtie, he is in Braselton, Georgia, with his wife, Cheryl, and their six children, four of whom are adopted.
"Ernie has been an example to me of how to balance the demands of work with those of your family. He has remained humble in an industry that doesn't reward humility. Most importantly, he has truly put the Lord first in his life. In Unscripted, you will enjoy some wonderful sports stories and learn some invaluable life lessons."
Tony Dungy
"Most people know Ernie as a guy who has been broadcasting for four decades. I am one of the lucky ones who know him as an extraordinary man and a friend. Unscripted gives everyone a glimpse of a life well lived and a man with tremendous perspective, humor, and class."
Cal Ripken
"For as long as I've been blessed to know Ernie Johnson, he has been a source of inspiration. I admire his devotion to his beautiful family and talented colleagues. Unscripted best describes this uplifting book . . . and Ernie himself. You'll be in awe of his faith and desire to be of service to others."
Robin Roberts
"Ernie quite simply is one of the best people on the planet."
Charles Barkley
"One of the most genuine voices I've encountered. Ernie's contribution to sports and media is noteworthy, but his investment into the lives of others is a story all its own."
Lecrae
"If you know Ernie only as the man behind the microphone, you are in for a treat. Here is Ernie Johnson, a great man of our time."
Max Lucado
I have known Ernie for almost two decades, and he has had tremendous influence in my life and in my thinking. His is a faith that is simple but very deep. And you see it lived out in every relationship in his life. When he speaks, you’d be wise to listen. I know I do.
Jeff Foxworthy
I promise you will be moved and inspired by Ernie’s story. This book could quite possibly transform your attitude as well as your heart toward all of life. As I read it, I found myself wanting to be a better man. Unscripted is a must-read, and I know you will be as captivated as I was when you read it.
John Smoltz
Ernie Johnson is an extraordinary man. He has lived an amazing life, absent of ego but bountiful with experiences that are soulful and warmhearted. Stories about family, faith, and fellowship. He has shined a light on both our industry and goodness in the world. If you are not inspired after reading this, you are not human. Unscripted is unforgettable!
Jim Nantz
Great to see Ernie putting his thoughts to paper with Unscripted. His life and insight are unparalleled, and it’s time the world sees what we see daily.
Kenny “The Jet” Smith
Unscripted has it all . . . sports, high-wire pressure, behind-the-scenes-secrets, winning and losing, pain and hope, life and death, family and faith, and what matters most. Ernie blends this into a fabulous story that will for sure grip your imagination and just might change your life. Turns out there may be a script after all.
John Ortberg
With Unscripted, Ernie captures the challenges of building a singular career in the public eye, while devoting himself to his job as a spouse and parent. His snapshots of pride, fear, joy, sadness, compassion, and hope will resonate with readers, no matter their industry or family structure. “Unscripted” moments are the stuff of our lives, and Ernie offers a personal and lasting triumph in this regard, far from the bright lights of sports television.
Hannah Storm
Every time I’ve had the privilege of hearing my friend Ernie share parts of his story, I’ve been encouraged, blessed, undone, challenged, and amazed by the remarkable faith and trust that has marked his life and his journey. I’m so thankful that he has written his story and given us this incredible gift of Unscripted so many others can be inspired the way I’ve been by knowing this great man, friend, husband, and dad.
Steven Curtis Chapman
Ernie Johnson is one of the finest men I’ve ever known. Not just in sports. Not just in sports television. He’s one of the best men I’ve ever met. Period. I treasure his friendship.
Verne Lundquist
Ernie Johnson is a living example of the truth “It’s not what happens to you but how you handle what happens to you.” He is exceptional and inspirational, a person I highly respect.
James Brown
“Whether a sports fan or not, you will find this book to be a complete delight. I will never look at blackberries the same. Read it!”
William Paul Young
Ernie Johnson has been sportscasting exciting games for decades, and yet no moment about barreling into home plate, sinking the putt, or hitting the game-winning shot compares to the true story of his family. We love Ernie and his family for the same reason we love sports; something about us resonates with the broken hero just trying to find home. This book has more glory in it than a thousand World Series, and the characters are no less enticing.
Donald Miller
Unscripted is how all of our lives begin. Some choose to do more with their lives. Ernie Johnson is one of those people. He makes everyone feel related or connected in his own gracious way. When we are working together for Turner Sports, he will always pay homage to his father by saying, “We are zipping right along here in the 6th inning,” and I will turn to him and we exchange a quiet nod. Simply every minute I spend with Ernie makes me aspire to be a better man.
Ronnie Darling Jr.
Ernie Johnson is one of the most talented and versatile broadcast journalists in our business. He’s knowledgeable, personable, and generous with his time. I’m so happy to finally see his journey to the top recorded in Unscripted.
William C. Rhoden
After having the honor of personally knowing Ernie for many years now, and seeing his faith and heart lived out in his words and deeds, it is such a pleasure to read more stories and insights into the life of my good friend EJ!
Mac Powell
Book Tour
Thursday, April 6 · 7 pm CT
Dallas, TX
7700 West Northwest Hwy. Ste. 300
Dallas, TX 75225
Friday, April 7 · 7 pm CT
Chicago, IL
26 S La Grange Road
La Grange, IL 60525
Saturday, April 8 · 2 pm ET
Atlanta, GA
2900 Peachtree Road NE Suite 310
Atlanta, GA 30305
Press Kit
For media requests, please contact Bobby Height at Career Sports and Entertainment, bheight@csetalentrep.com.