Who Is Jayne Kennedy? Trailblazer in Sports TV and Hollywood Tells Her Story

Jayne Kennedy is more than a familiar face from sports television. She is a pioneer. She changed how people saw women in sports media. And she did it with courage and class.

Now 73, Jayne has shared her full journey in her new memoir, Plain Jayne. The book was released on September 2, 2025. It highlights her life from growing up in Ohio to breaking into national television in the 1970s.

Jayne Kennedy’s Rise: From Wickliffe, Ohio to Network TV

Kennedy was raised in Wickliffe, a small town in Northeast Ohio. She came from a big family and credits her values to her childhood. Even after becoming Miss Ohio in 1970, she stayed grounded.

In the late 1970s, she became a co-host on CBS’s The NFL Today. At that time, she was the only Black woman in that role. It was unheard of. She beat out 2,000 others to land the spot. CBS host Brent Musburger even said, “It’s Jayne or nobody.”

Her early days were tough. CBS gave her only a six-week trial. But Jayne proved herself fast. When no one could secure an interview with Muhammad Ali, she stepped in and made it happen. That sealed her full-time job.

A Life of Many Talents and Firsts

Jayne didn’t just stop at sports. She acted in Hollywood. She danced. She produced exercise videos. She even designed her own clothes. One time, she sewed an Oscars outfit in two days.

Her memoir is not just about fame. It’s about persistence. She shares how she fought racism and sexism. She also highlights the importance of staying true to herself.

Kennedy says her roots in Ohio shaped her. She never let the fame change who she was. From sewing in high school to interviewing legends, she stayed humble.

Today, she runs a business called Not Done Yet. She still designs, creates, and inspires others.

Jayne Kennedy’s story is one of courage, creativity, and commitment. She opened doors for women of color in media and still keeps going strong.

Thought you’d like to know-

Q1: Who is Jayne Kennedy?

Jayne Kennedy is a pioneering African-American TV host, actress, and former Miss Ohio. She was a trailblazer in sports broadcasting in the 1970s.

Q2: What is Jayne Kennedy known for?

She is best known for co-hosting CBS’s *The NFL Today* and for being one of the first Black women in sports television.

Q3: What does Jayne Kennedy’s memoir “Plain Jayne” cover?

It covers her journey from her Ohio upbringing to breaking barriers in Hollywood and sports media.

Q4: How did Jayne Kennedy get her big break?

She won Miss Ohio in 1970 and later impressed CBS with her confidence and ability to land key interviews, including one with Muhammad Ali.

Q5: What is Jayne Kennedy doing now?

She runs a lifestyle brand called *Not Done Yet* and continues to work in design and business.