ESPN’s Holly Rowe was celebrated for her groundbreaking work in sports journalism with the Keith Jackson Eternal Flame Award, but it was a beautiful exchange with Angel Reese that stole the spotlight. After receiving her prestigious award, Rowe’s heartfelt moment with the Sky forward left the internet buzzing. What happened during their encounter, and why is it making waves across social media? Find out all the heartwarming details below! 👇👇

Holly Rowe Receives Prestigious Keith Jackson Eternal Flame Award Before Heartwarming Moment with Angel Reese

ESPN star Holly Rowe was recently honored with the prestigious 2025 Keith Jackson Eternal Flame Award, recognizing her decades of contributions to sports broadcasting, especially in college football, basketball, volleyball, softball, and the WNBA. The emotional ceremony, which took place at the All-Star Night of Honors during the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Unite 25 event, was a major milestone in Rowe’s illustrious career.

A Surprising Honor for a Trailblazer

The award was presented to Rowe just one day before she shared a heartwarming interaction with Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese during an ESPN broadcast of the New York Liberty vs. Chicago Sky game. But on this night, all eyes were on Rowe as she received the Keith Jackson Eternal Flame Award for her tireless work as a storyteller and advocate for student-athletes, coaches, and sports communicators.

Rowe’s versatility as one of ESPN’s most celebrated announcers was acknowledged with high praise from the CSC, with the organization highlighting her extensive work across numerous sports. Rowe’s career spans over 25 years, during which she became a beloved figure in sports journalism. The award also recognized her dedication to amplifying the voices of athletic communicators and promoting leadership, hard work, and resilience in the sports world.

Rowe’s Response to the Award

Upon receiving the award, Rowe was visibly moved, admitting that she was completely caught off guard. “Well first of all, I was shocked. I had no idea,” Rowe said, her emotion palpable. She went on to express how meaningful the recognition was to her, particularly because of the association with the legendary Keith Jackson, the iconic voice of college football. Rowe shared how Jackson’s influence shaped her childhood and career, especially when she had the honor of working with him during his final college football game.

“Anything with Keith Jackson’s name on it — he was kind of the narrator of my childhood watching college football,” Rowe explained. “I grew up to be someone that got to actually work with him, I worked his last college football game with him.” This connection to Jackson made the award even more significant for Rowe, who was overcome with emotion as she thanked those who supported her throughout her career.

A Heartwarming Gesture from Angel Reese

The following day, after being celebrated for her achievements, Rowe returned to her ESPN duties to cover the New York Liberty’s 85-66 win over the Chicago Sky. During her mid-game interview with Sky phenom Angel Reese, a touching moment unfolded that quickly went viral on social media. As Rowe conducted the interview, Reese noticed that one of Rowe’s eyelashes was out of place. In a kind and thoughtful gesture, Reese reached over and adjusted it for Rowe. The simple act of kindness not only warmed the hearts of viewers but also demonstrated the mutual respect between the two women in sports.

This sweet interaction was shared widely across social media, with fans praising Reese’s generosity and Rowe’s professionalism. It was a poignant moment that highlighted the camaraderie and support among women in sports, adding another layer of appreciation for both Rowe and Reese.

Rowe’s Legacy and Impact on Sports Broadcasting

Holly Rowe’s receipt of the Keith Jackson Eternal Flame Award is a testament to her extraordinary career and impact on the sports media industry. As one of the most recognizable and respected voices in sports journalism, Rowe has inspired countless others with her commitment to storytelling and her passion for giving athletes a platform to share their journeys.

Her work transcends the boundaries of sports broadcasting, as Rowe has consistently advocated for the empowerment of student-athletes and sports communicators. She has also been instrumental in breaking down barriers for women in sports media, becoming a role model for future generations of journalists and broadcasters.

Conclusion: A Well-Deserved Recognition

Holly Rowe’s recognition with the Keith Jackson Eternal Flame Award reflects the depth of her contributions to sports journalism and broadcasting. Her dedication to her craft, her advocacy for athletes, and her ability to connect with audiences have made her an enduring figure in the industry.

Her heartfelt response to the award and her touching moment with Angel Reese serve as reminders of the power of kindness, leadership, and the lasting impact of great storytelling. As Rowe continues to break barriers and inspire others, her legacy in sports media is secure, and her influence will be felt for many years to come. Fans and colleagues alike will continue to celebrate her achievements and the invaluable role she plays in amplifying the voices of athletes and sports communicators everywhere.