Columnist
Geoff Calkins has been chronicling Memphis and Memphis sports for more than two decades. Calkins has been named the best sports columnist in the country five times by the Associated Press sports editors, but still figures his best columns are about the people who make Memphis what it is.
There are 1155 articles by Geoff Calkins :
Ryan Silverfield keeps talking about the youth of this Memphis football team. Is that a bad sign? Let’s hope not. Because this is the moment to reclaim momentum. Related story:
Alex Lomax made it official Thursday. He’s coming back for a fifth year at Memphis. So get ready to see him play significant minutes alongside Kendric Davis in the backcourt. “We can’t wait,” Davis said.
You sick of all the money talk in sports these days? This is the story for you. A golf story without dollar signs attached. And it’s 100% true!
For 10 years, FedEx has named an airplane after a St. Jude kid. But the best part of the story? It’s what has happened since.Related story:
Meet Cross Kubik. He’s a golfer. He may not be the best golfer in Memphis this week. But he’s the reason — the real reason— all the great golfers are here.Related story:
Seth Henigan made a remarkable confession the other day — one that should give every Memphis fan even more hope for the year to come.
As another season begins, everything is different about Memphis football. Except everything that matters.
The organizers of the Ed Murphey Classic got a burst of inspiration this year. How about bringing the pole vaulting competition to the people? It made for a wildly entertaining Saturday night on Beale Street.
Thursday was media day for Memphis football! Until Memphis basketball broke in. Thoughts on the 2022 hoop schedule. And on Tiger football, too.
The stakes have never been higher for Ryan Silverfield and Memphis football. Why 2022 will be one of the most important seasons in program history.
A former Memphian just won more than half a million dollars at the World Series of Poker. But the best part of his story? He’s alive because of St. Jude.
For decades, now, University of Memphis fans have dreamed of making it into a power conference. Is that dream now officially dead? If so, what does the future hold?
Matt Terhune couldn’t get himself to pick up his pencil and start a new art project. Until he saw a photo of Morant with 2-year-old daughter Kaari. What followed is a story about Twitter, art, basketball and — this is the important part — love.
Morant’s extension means he’ll be here when the Grizzlies and the city and county negotiate the guts of a new FedExForum lease. All of which makes him the most important Grizzly at the most important moment in the city’s NBA history. Just another reason to thank Ja.
Memphis football coach Ryan Silverfield stopped by the Veterans Administration Medical Center Tuesday as part of “the sweetest, most meaningful ticket-distribution program you may know nothing about.”
Brian Young moved to Memphis to stage the Tyson-Lewis fight. It was a huge success. But what happened next might be the best part of the story. Without ever expecting it, Young became a dad of five. On Father’s Day, remembering what it means to have a stepdad by Eric BarnesRelated story:
Ja Morant didn’t just sign a rich new contract to stay with the Grizzlies. He committed to Memphis as “home.” That’s a credit to him and to the Grizzlies front office. Here’s how that came to pass.
George Cates won’t be here to see Friday’s official opening of the Overton Park 9. He died in a plane crash a year ago. But when you play the course, you’ll see his good work. And you’ll honor him with your smiles.
Ernest Withers was an iconic civil rights photographer — and an FBI informant. A new podcast revisits the complicated, painful tale.
The Grizzlies picked the players they really wanted Thursday night. It’s cool that one of them — Tennessee point guard Kennedy Chandler — happens to be from around here.
“LIV Golf exists to whitewash murder and human rights violations in Saudi Arabia. The FedEx St. Jude Championship raises money for St. Jude. Which side do you want to support? This really isn’t hard.”
You’ll never guess where Elliot Perry is being honored Tuesday night. At the Museum of Modern Art, in New York. It’s the latest accomplishment for one of the greatest, humblest Memphians.
Penny Hardaway has now added the former AAC Coach of the Year along with Kendric Davis (former AAC Player of the Year). That’s impressive work for the coach of a program facing possible NCAA sanctions. It speaks to Hardaway’s resilience, above all.
Kerrick Jackson broke down Wednesday when he was asked what it meant to be one of just three Division 1 baseball coaches outside the HBCUs. Can he succeed at Memphis? All of baseball had better hope so.
Twenty years ago, Mike Tyson fought Lennox Lewis at The Pyramid. It was a defining moment for sports in Memphis. And it was a hell of a lot of fun.