Retired sports journalist John McClain spoke with Sam Houston State University students about his journey to becoming a writer, his career triumphs and advice for aspiring journalists on Thursday in the Dan Rather Communications Building.   

In the decades McClain spent as a sports writer, he dedicated 47 years to the Houston Chronicle, covering the NFL.  

“I’ve been blessed,” McClain recalled, adding, “when you’re writing in my business, when you’re being such a sports fan, it’s like I’ve never worked.” 

McClain was inducted into several halls of fame throughout his career, including the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, and committed himself to honoring other journalists through similar organizations. 

Ultimately, he retired from the Houston Chronicle in March 2022, but is still prevalent across a multitude of sports media platforms. 

The guest speaker chat was arranged by visiting SHSU assistant professor Nicole Hendricks.  

“I wanted to get real people that work in sports to come and speak,” said Hendricks. “I think it’s critical that students get to talk to someone and ask them questions in a field they want to work in.” 

According to Hendricks, she befriended McClain through a former speaker, Houston Chronicle Sports Editor Greg Rajan. She has since invited McClain to speak with her classes for the past three semesters she’s been at SHSU.  

“I hope that they take away that it’s possible to do what they dream about doing, that if they have the work ethic and if they have the ingenuity, that they can achieve their dreams,” said Hendricks.