When Mary Kay Cabot began covering the Cleveland Browns in 1991, she was one of the only women in the locker room. Now, over 30 years later, not only is she still there, but she’s thriving.
The Kent State University alumna and veteran sports journalist for Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer was recently named the winner of the 2025 Bill Nunn Memorial Award by the Professional Football Writers of America. The honor, given to reporters for “long and distinguished contribution to pro football through coverage,” is a major milestone in her career, breaking barriers and inspiring many.
“It means so much to be able to get recognized for all of the hard work,” Cabot said. “As a trailblazer in this industry, I’m pretty grateful to have been able to pave the way for so many young women.”
Cabot’s journey started at Kent State, where she majored in journalism with a minor in telecommunications. She said the strong foundation she received from her education gave her the skills she needed as sports journalism has adapted to the digital era.
“It’s gone from being a sports writer to being multimedia,” Cabot said. “You just have to be ready to pivot and adapt, and you just have to keep up with it.”
When Cabot first started with the Browns beat, there were no real roadmaps for women in sports journalism. She said that even just receiving the same access to information as her male counterparts was a battle.
“I’m very happy that women today don’t have to get some trainer’s tape thrown at their head or have a locker room door slammed in their face,” Cabot said. “I’m grateful that the females in the business now can do their job to the best of their ability without putting up with some of the extraneous stuff that never should have happened along the way.”
Her persistent reporting and professionalism as a pioneer in the field helped pave the way not only for her longevity as a journalist but also for those following in her footsteps. Now, Cabot is seen as a role model for the next generation, including those she works with.
Ashley Bastock, a fellow Browns reporter at Cleveland.com, said working alongside Cabot has been surreal, and being able to watch her win this award has been so exciting.
“I was so happy that she finally got it because we’ve wanted her to get it for the past three years,” Bastock said. “It’s just so deserving when you think about all the history Mary Kay has covered here. Covering the Browns is unlike any other NFL team.”
Bastock said Cabot’s work ethic outshines anybody else in the field, and if a story needs to be done, she is going to do it.
“She does whatever it takes, and she’s competitive,” Bastock said. “What really sets her apart is she always knows the best way to get a story and she’s not afraid to put in the work to get a good story.”
Cabot’s success is a reminder that while women have made major strides in sports media, the work isn’t finished. Even as representation continues to grow, women still make up only a small percentage of sports journalists.
For Cabot, this recognition goes farther than just being a personal achievement; it’s about the doors it opens for others.
“I hope that my legacy will be that I blazed a trail for women to excel and succeed in this business,” Cabot said. “And that I poured my heart and soul into telling the stories of the Cleveland Browns.”
Rachel McKean is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected]