How the Voice of the Raiders Built a Dream Career — And the Career Advice Every Young Broadcaster Needs to Hear
Jason Horowitz went from the first face of CBS SportsLine to hosting March Madness and the NFL Draft. His blueprint for success is about more than talent — it’s about reps, kindness, and being great
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Horowitz earned it the hard way
There are interviews you do because the guest has a cool job.
Then there are interviews where, about halfway through, you realize: every young broadcaster needs to hear this conversation.
That’s how I felt talking with Jason Horowitz.
Yes, he’s the radio voice of the Las Vegas Raiders. Yes, that alone is a dream seat in the business. But what struck me most wasn’t just where he ended up. It was how he got there.
Because Jason didn’t skip steps. He didn’t wake up in the NFL booth one day. He built it the hard way — through reps, adaptability, relationships, and professionalism.
First With CBS SportsLine Before Digital Was Cool
Before streaming, before everyone wanted to be “multi-platform,” before digital talent became standard, Horowitz was the first major on-air face of CBS SportsLine.
Think about that. He was doing modern media work before most people even understood where media was heading. Including Jason.
That role required range. Hosting. Reading live situations. Connecting with audiences online. Moving fast. Thinking faster.
He wasn’t just early. He was ahead.
Then he moved into calling games for CBS Sports Network. Much like I did, he got his break because an announcer previously scheduled to work was ill. Horowitz was ready to take advantage, regardless of the assignment. He knew he had to take assignments that weren’t glamorous but were priceless for growth. Empty gyms. Smaller events. Games casual fans ignored. Those reps matter more than people realize. That’s where pacing gets sharpened. That’s where instincts get built. That’s where professionals separate from dreamers. This is the famous process of paying your dues.
Prestigious Jobs Go to Real Talent
Jason now holds some of the best live-event assignments in sports media.
Every year he hosts Westwood One’s March Madness coverage, one of the most prestigious jobs in sports audio. When the bracket explodes, buzzer-beaters are dropping, coaches are melting down, and America is locked in — he’s steering the ship.
He also hosts the annual NFL Draft on SiriusXM NFL Radio. Another pressure-packed assignment with constant moving parts, breaking news, trades, chaos, and nonstop analysis.
Those jobs are not handed out casually. They go to people who can deliver live.
And Jason can flat-out deliver.
His greatest gift may be his ability to react in real time. Some broadcasters freeze when the moment speeds up. Horowitz gets better. He processes chaos instantly, keeps listeners oriented, adds energy without overdoing it, and sounds in command while everything is moving.
That’s why he excels in play-by-play. That’s why he excels in tournaments. That’s why he excels in the Draft.
Some people can host. Some can call games. Very few can do both at an elite level. Jason can.
Syracuse Still Leads the Field
Jason is also a graduate of Syracuse University.
Yes, a lot has changed since he was there 20 years ago. Media looks nothing like it once did. Podcasts, YouTube, TikTok, remote production, AI tools, creator brands — the whole landscape is different.
But one thing hasn’t changed: Syracuse still knows how to produce talent.
They proudly remind students of the legends who came through there, and frankly, they should. The alumni list is ridiculous:
Bob Costas
Mike Tirico
Sean McDonough
Ian Eagle
Marty Glickman
The technology changes. The platforms change. But fundamentals still matter: writing, voice control, timing, storytelling, curiosity, preparation, professionalism. Syracuse still leads because those skills still win.
The Most Underrated Career Skill: Be Easy to Work With
This was my favorite part of our conversation. Jason talked about the importance of being easy to work with.
That sounds simple. It isn’t.
Prepared. Respectful. Reliable. Collaborative. Low drama. Professional. Kind.
Those traits are gold in this business.
I’ve been in radio more than 20 years. I’ve seen talented people sabotage themselves because they were exhausting. Massive ego. Constant complaining. Needlessly rude. Treating staff poorly. Confusing being difficult with being important.
That stuff catches up to people. Fast.
And let me add this: I recently watched the so-called “manosphere” documentary on Netflix. If your life philosophy is built around bitterness, dominance, contempt, or treating people like they’re disposable, you are headed for misery.
Do not listen to that nonsense.
How you treat people matters. In life. In business. In broadcasting. In marriage. In friendships. Everywhere.
Jason Horowitz is proof you can be talented and decent. In fact, that combination is powerful.
