Who is Ernie Johnson Jr., the NBA host on TNT? All the facts and details

Ernie Johnson Jr. is a well-known sports journalist and television personality. He is currently the host of TNT's NBA coverage, a role he has held since 1990. Johnson has won several Emmy Awards for his work on the show and is known for his insightful commentary, easygoing demeanour, and sense of humour.

He has also worked as a play-by-play announcer for Major League Baseball and college football games and has hosted coverage of the Olympics and the PGA Championship. He is a devout Christian who has been open about his faith, even writing a book called "Unscripted: The Unpredictable Moments That Make Life Extraordinary." He is also known for his philanthropic efforts, including the "Johnson Fourward Foundation," which provides financial assistance to families with adopted children with special needs.

Ernie Johnson Jr.'s profile and bio summary

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Is Ernie Johnson Jr. black?

Ernie Johnson Jr. (aged 66 years old as of April 2023) was born on August 7, 1956, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to a black father and a white mother. He has been open about his racial identity and the challenges he has faced as a mixed-race person in the United States.

Ernie Johnson Jr.'s cancer diagnosis

He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2003. He took a leave of absence from TNT's NBA coverage to undergo treatment, which included chemotherapy. Johnson returned to work after several months and has since been in remission. The journalist has been open about his cancer journey and has used his platform to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.

In 2017, Ernie was awarded the Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award at the ESPYs for his commitment to fighting cancer. He continues to work as the host of TNT's NBA coverage and remains an inspiration to many for his resilience and positive attitude in the face of adversity.

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Ernie Johnson Jr.'s son

He has four biological children and two adopted children, including his son, Michael. Michael was adopted from Romania in 1991 when he was four years old. He was born with muscular dystrophy, a genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass.

Michael has inspired his father, who has been open about the challenges and joys of raising a child with a disability. Ernie and his spouse Cheryl founded the "Johnson Forward Foundation" to support families with adopted children with special needs, and Michael was actively involved in the foundation's work. Despite his health challenges, Michael was an accomplished artist and has sold his artwork to raise money for charity. He passed away on October, 29,2021.

Did Ernie Johnson Jr. play basketball?

The journalist did not play basketball at a high level. Although he was a sports enthusiast and played various sports in his youth, he did not pursue basketball as a serious athletic pursuit. Instead, he turned his focus to journalism and broadcasting and has become one of the industry's most respected and well-known sports journalists.

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While he may not have played basketball, he profoundly understands and appreciates the game. His insights and commentary as the host of TNT's NBA coverage are highly regarded by fans and players alike.

Ernie Johnson Jr.'s net worth

With more than 30 years of experience on television, he has an estimated net worth of $16 million. According to sources, the sports journalist amassed his wealth from his salary from Turner Sports. The 66-year-old reportedly earns $5 million per year.

Ernie Johnson and Shaq

Ernie Johnson Jr. and Shaquille O'Neal have great on-air chemistry and are known for their playful banter and friendly jabs at each other. Shaq joined TNT's NBA coverage as a commentator in 2011. They have become one of the most beloved duos in sports broadcasting.

Shaq often teases Ernie about his height and calls him "EJ," while Ernie has joked that Shaq needs to get a bigger shirt size. Despite the jokes, Ernie and Shaq have a deep mutual respect and affection, and their air interactions highlight TNT's NBA coverage.

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Ernie Johnson and Charles Barkley

Ernie Johnson Jr. and Charles Barkley also have amazing chemistry, but their dynamic differs from that of him and Shaq. Barkley, known for his outspoken and sometimes controversial opinions, often challenges Ernie on various issues related to basketball and society. Their interactions have become a hallmark of TNT's NBA coverage, and they are one of the most iconic duos in sports broadcasting.

The journalist is a well-known sports journalist and television personality hosting TNT's NBA coverage. Here are some key facts and details about him:

1. Early Life and Education: He was born on August 7, 1956, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He grew up in Georgia and attended the University of Georgia, where he earned a degree in journalism.
2. Broadcasting Career: He began broadcasting in 1977 as a news and sports reporter for a local radio station in Macon, Georgia. He later worked for several TV stations, including WSB-TV in Atlanta, before joining Turner Sports in 1989.
3. NBA on TNT: He is best known for his work as the host of TNT's NBA coverage. He has been a part of the show since 1990 and has won several Emmy Awards for his work. Johnson is known for his insightful commentary, easygoing demeanour, and sense of humour.
4. Other Broadcasting Work: Besides his work on the NBA on TNT, he has also worked as a play-by-play announcer for Major League Baseball and college football games. He has also hosted coverage of the Olympics and the PGA Championship.
5. Personal Life: He is married to Cheryl Johnson and has six children, three of whom are adopted. He is a devout Christian and has been open about his faith, even writing a book called "Unscripted: The Unpredictable Moments That Make Life Extraordinary."
6. Humanitarian Work: He is also known for his philanthropic efforts. Ernie Johnson Jr. and his wife founded the "Johnson Fourward Foundation," which provides financial assistance to families with adopted children with special needs. Johnson has also been involved in several other charitable organisations, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

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Ernie Johnson Jr. is a highly respected and beloved figure in sports broadcasting. He is known for his professionalism, warmth, and generosity, both on and off the air. He has achieved much as a sports journalist and television personality.

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