Sports reporter signs off in tears on Live TV but not before making a final plea to small town America

Everything designed in a school curriculum is meant to provide more than knowledge and education. At the end of the day, everything taught in school is to help students become better human beings, and sports are no exception. Del Rodgers, sports news director at KCRA, retired after 28 years of service on December 1st, the outlet reported. Rodgers made an emotional farewell speech, highlighting the best of what he had learned and discovered on the job. Having been involved with even the Super Bowl, the man had a different love for high school sports and before he signed off, he shared the incredible reason why. 

Rodgers started working with the station in 1997 and has since explored different sports events. These include the Olympics in Sydney and multiple Super Bowls. Despite these grand events, the director had a special place in his heart for high school sports. In his emotional speech shared in a video, he mentioned why. He first noted that he covered professional sports because he "had to," but also focused on high school sports because he “needed to.” “High school sports are the backbone of our community,” he remarked. With tears in his eyes, he highlighted the significant life lessons he witnessed throughout the years.

“Teamwork, bouncing back from failure, appreciating success with honor. It allows small towns to shut down so that their communities can become fans in the stands,” the man recounted. His rich words came from a mirage of experiences, memories, moments, and unforgettable historic moments marked by several student athletes. Rodgers further explained that high school sports are where parents unite because their children are on the same team. He couldn’t help but request viewers to continue to support this venture of budding athletes, not just for the game but because it shapes who they are. 

“That’s where teenagers transition into the real world,” he mentioned. He pointed out that it’s more about the families, communities, and indirectly the world. Rodgers is spot-on with his 28 years of experience; it’s what research also states. High schoolers join sports not just to play a game but to gather an experience of a lifetime and learn more than they’ve anticipated along the way. According to the NFHS, the participation of high schoolers in athletics increased by 200,000 between 2024 and 2025. The NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey revealed that 8,266,244 students were involved in high school sports this year. 

The physical and mental benefits are galore, Lutheran High School reported. But there’s more priceless learnings, and Rodgers saw that in the last 28 years of his career. Learning how to build social relationships, deal with crises, forgive others, and stay united are among the top pros that high school sports offer. These life lessons shape them to become better individuals and, in turn, give back to their communities. If anything, high school sports can create an endless loop of selfless passion, which the world needs now more than ever. 

As Rodgers fought back tears nearing the end of his speech, he said, “Tonight, I hang up my mic but I will never hang up on what you have given me. Thank you for letting me be a part of your fields, courts, and kids’ lives.” @wheelswife11 wrote, “That one hit different! Del Rodgers, you’re a legend. You will be missed!” @the209mayor added, “Del was and will forever be the epitome of ‘entrenched in the community.’ You knew when you saw Del at your school, it was a BIG TIME! He treated me, along with every other athlete, like a future Hall of Famer.” 

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