Dennis Dodd Bids Farewell After 27 Years Covering College Football at CBS Sports

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Dennis Dodd, a veteran sports journalist, has announced his retirement from CBS Sports, concluding a distinguished career that spans more than 27 years. His farewell column, published on March 13, 2025, reflects on a journey filled with extraordinary experiences and moments in college football.

Throughout his career, Dodd has covered over 250 college football games and accumulated more than 6,000 bylines. Describing journalism as a vocation rather than just a job, Dodd expressed gratitude for the opportunities afforded to him by CBS Sports. He stated, ‘I’ve long believed journalism is a vocation, not just a job. It’s special. I’ve been lucky to be among those waking up each day absolutely loving what I do.’

Retirement was not a decision made lightly. Dodd emphasized the significance of spending more time with family and friends as he steps away from a profession he loves. ‘Now, it’s time to sleep in just a bit,’ he noted, mentioning that he plans to enjoy his newfound free time.

Dodd has had the privilege to cover prestigious events such as the Stanley Cup Playoffs, multiple NCAA Final Fours, and even the 2002 Winter Olympics. He highlighted his streak of covering 22 consecutive College World Series, calling it ‘the most underrated championship tournament out there.’

His storied career has taken him from Dublin, Ireland, to the offices of high-profile coaches like Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. While on assignment, Dodd experienced various highlights, including backstage encounters with musicians and memorable interviews with legendary players like Tim Tebow and Honey Badger Tyrann Mathieu.

Among his memorable moments was walking with Heisman Trophy finalists through Times Square and sharing a humorous yet profound experience with Mike Leach in Key West. ‘After a walking tour that lasted eight hours and included Hemingway’s cats, Captain Tony’s Saloon, and many refreshments in the Florida heat, I got to my hotel room at midnight, asking out loud, ‘What just happened?” Dodd recalled.

As Dodd reflects on the athletes and their stories that make college sports great, he acknowledged the importance of the players and the connection to the fans. He noted that attending four World Series games in 1985 while paying out of pocket was worth it, driven by passion rather than profit.

Bristol, Tennessee, holds a special place in his memory, as he covered the largest college game by attendance in history, where 157,000 spectators witnessed the spectacle. Dodd expressed appreciation for the mentors and colleagues who shaped his career, including notable figures such as Mike Kahn and Jim Nantz.

His farewell column touches upon challenging moments as well, such as dealing with the emergence of the Jerry Sandusky scandal at Penn State. He commended Bill O'Brien for his courage in taking the reins of the program during a tumultuous time, reflecting the darker side of college athletics.

The end of Dodd’s writing chapter comes after covering 25 out of the 27 BCS Championship Games, a testament to his dedication and love for the sport. He humorously lamented the eternal struggle with press box food, calling it a challenge still unsolved.

As his career concludes, Dodd celebrates memorable venues and unique experiences each college football game offers—from the electric atmosphere of Death Valley to the iconic view from the press box at Cal. He concluded, ‘On Saturdays, we’ll still care about the games, not a temporary restraining order. And I’ll miss the hell out of all of it.’

With his retirement, Dodd prepares for a new chapter of his life, ready to embrace leisure and time away from work commitments. He humorously added, ‘Me? I’ve got a tee time coming up.’