Michelle Smallmon Biography: Age, Career & Net Worth

November 3, 2026
Written By k6xei

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Michelle Smallmon is an American sports radio host and producer. She co-hosts ESPN Radio’s national morning show Unsportsmanlike with Evan Cohen and Chris Canty, weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m. ET.

She is originally from Belleville, Illinois. She is a University of Illinois graduate, and she built her career step by step, from a part-time TV production job in St. Louis to the biggest national morning slot on ESPN Radio.

Kaafi log uski age, shaadi aur net worth ke baare mein search karte hain. The problem is that many websites copy each other and publish wrong “facts”. This guide separates confirmed information from unverified claims, so you get a clean, honest answer.

Note on accuracy: Details below come from ESPN’s official press bio, The News-Gazette (University of Illinois alumni profile, November 2024), Front Office Sports, Barrett Media, and Awful Announcing. Where something is not publicly confirmed, this article says so clearly.

Table of Contents

Who Is Michelle Smallmon?

Michelle Smallmon is a sports broadcaster, radio host, and former radio producer. She is best known as a co-host of Unsportsmanlike, ESPN Radio’s flagship weekday morning show, which debuted on September 5, 2023.

Before that, she hosted Karraker & Smallmon on 101 ESPN in St. Louis. With that show, she became the first woman in the station’s history to have her name in a show title.

Featured Snippet Answer

Who is Michelle Smallmon? Michelle Smallmon is an American ESPN Radio host from Belleville, Illinois. She co-hosts the national morning show Unsportsmanlike alongside Evan Cohen and Chris Canty, and she previously produced and hosted shows at 101 ESPN St. Louis.

Why She Is Famous

Sports radio has long been a male-heavy space. Michelle earned her place by working her way up, not by shortcut.

Listeners know her for sharp baseball and NFL takes, a warm sense of humor, and her honest St. Louis sports-fan identity. That mix made her a recognizable voice across the United States.

Michelle Smallmon Full Biography at a Glance

Use this table for quick facts. Items marked “not confirmed” are not published by ESPN or reliable news outlets.

DetailInformation
Full NameMichelle Smallmon
ProfessionSports radio host, broadcaster, former radio producer
Known ForCo-hosting ESPN Radio’s Unsportsmanlike
Date of BirthWidely reported as August 13, 1986 (not confirmed by ESPN)
Age (Nov 2026)About 40 years old
Birthplace / HometownBelleville, Illinois, USA
NationalityAmerican
ParentsTony and Robin Smallmon
High SchoolAlthoff Catholic High School (soccer standout)
CollegeUniversity of Illinois (Class of 2008)
DegreeBroadcast journalism
Current ShowUnsportsmanlike with Evan, Canty and Michelle
Show TimeMonday to Friday, 6 to 10 a.m. ET
Show DebutSeptember 5, 2023
Co-HostsEvan Cohen, Chris Canty
Previous ShowKarraker & Smallmon, 101 ESPN (May 2020 to Sept 2022)
Current BaseNew York City
Marital StatusNot publicly confirmed
Net WorthNot officially disclosed; online estimates vary
X (Twitter)@msmallmon

Michelle Smallmon Early Life and Family Background

Michelle grew up in Belleville, Illinois, just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis. This “Metro East” area shaped her sports identity.

Her parents, Tony and Robin, took her to Blues hockey games and Cardinals baseball games. At Busch Stadium, she learned how to keep score, a small skill that later helped her baseball analysis.

Read More: Sky Bri Net Worth 2026: The Untold Story Behind Her Million-Dollar Rise

A Proud Illinois Identity

She has said that she is “Illinois through and through” and does not identify with Missouri. That is a funny but real part of St. Louis-area sports culture.

She grew up a Rams fan, and she was heartbroken when the team left St. Louis for Los Angeles. That emotional story later became a recurring talking point on her national show.

Siblings and Family Details

Some low-quality websites claim she is an only child, and others invent siblings. ESPN does not publish this detail, so treat such claims carefully.

What is confirmed: her parents are Tony and Robin, and sports were a family activity from the beginning.

Michelle Smallmon Education and School Life

Her school years explain a lot about her discipline.

High School

Michelle attended Althoff Catholic High School in Belleville. According to The News-Gazette, she was a soccer standout there.

This sports background also explains why she has hosted soccer-related content and worked with St. Louis City SC, the city’s MLS club.

University of Illinois

University of Illinois

She chose the University of Illinois after visiting the campus on a football weekend. She loved the Quad and felt “at home”. She applied early and got in.

Interestingly, her original plan was dermatology. After a freshman chemistry class in 2004, she realized medicine was not for her and switched to journalism.

Student Life and Internships

Michelle was part of Block I and Orange Krush, the famous student sections. She was on campus during the 2004–05 Illini basketball run to the national title game.

She applied for every internship her adviser sent her way. She worked on Monday Night Football, with Illini Productions, and interned at KSDK in St. Louis.

She graduated in 2008 with a degree in broadcast journalism. She credits professor John Paul for giving students practical tools for the industry.

Education StageSchoolKey Detail
High SchoolAlthoff Catholic, Belleville, ILSoccer standout
UniversityUniversity of IllinoisBroadcast journalism, Class of 2008
Early PlanPre-med / dermatologyChanged course after freshman chemistry
InternshipsKSDK, Illini Productions, Monday Night FootballBuilt her early network

Michelle Smallmon Career: From Producer to ESPN Star

Her career is a classic “hard work beats luck” story. She never planned to be on air. She started behind the scenes and said yes to every chance.

Career Timeline Table

YearMilestone
2008Graduates from the University of Illinois
2008–2009Works as a production assistant at KSDK in St. Louis
2009Joins 101 ESPN St. Louis (producer and on-air contributor)
2009–2015Produces and appears on multiple signature shows at 101 ESPN
2015Moves to ESPN Radio in Bristol, Connecticut, as a producer
Around 2018Returns to 101 ESPN to work with Bernie Miklasz
May 2020Launches Karraker & Smallmon on 101 ESPN
Sept 2022Leaves 101 ESPN and moves to New York
2022–2023Hosts weekend content on national ESPN Radio
Sept 5, 2023Unsportsmanlike debuts on ESPN Radio

She Started Behind the Scenes

After graduation, the economy crashed. Media jobs were scarce, even for experienced people. Michelle moved back home with her parents.

She took a part-time production assistant job at KSDK, the NBC affiliate in St. Louis. She worked from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m., writing scripts and running the teleprompter.

Then she spent afternoons in the sports office, offering help. She covered high school football and hosted a segment on a Sunday night show.

Sportscasters Rene Knott and Frank Cusumano became mentors. When ESPN Radio launched in St. Louis, Knott invited her to co-host a three-hour weekend show.

That was her first real radio moment. A program director heard her and asked her to produce a show for local legend Bernie Miklasz. She said yes.

She Grew at 101 ESPN St. Louis

From 2009 to 2015, Michelle worked at 101 ESPN. She produced and appeared on several of the station’s signature shows.

Then ESPN Radio in Bristol, Connecticut, hired her as a national producer. She spent about three years there. Her producing credits included Jorge & Jen and the Ryen Russillo Show, and she also worked with hosts such as Danny Kanell, Will Cain, and Jorge Sedano.

Later, 101 ESPN brought her home to partner with Bernie Miklasz in morning drive. She described it as the stars aligning: her city, her teams.

In May 2020, she began hosting Karraker & Smallmon with Randy Karraker. As ESPN’s bio notes, she became the first woman to have her name on a show in the station’s history.

Beyond Radio in St. Louis

Her local work went beyond the microphone. She served as the in-game host for the St. Louis BattleHawks of the XFL. She also did extensive video work with St. Louis City SC.

She hosted community events too, including St. Louis’s New Year’s Eve party at Ballpark Village and the USBWA dinner, where she interviewed major names in college basketball.

She also served on charity boards, including the Young Professionals for the St. Louis Zoo and The Little Bit Foundation, which works on barriers to learning.

She Made It to the National Stage

During the pandemic, Michelle reflected on her life goals. One dream stood out: living in a big city.

She left St. Louis for New York with no full-time job and no clear plan. She sublet an apartment and worked at a jewelry store to pay bills. Front Office Sports reported that she gave herself a year to figure things out.

ESPN Radio gave her a limited fill-in deal. She also filled in at 101 ESPN and on SiriusXM. Then the network’s boss, Justin Craig, called with a surprise.

She thought he was offering the overnight shift. He was actually offering the morning show. In her words, she thought he had dialed the wrong number.

That bet on herself paid off. Unsportsmanlike launched in September 2023, and she became a daily national voice.

What Is Unsportsmanlike?

People often search “Michelle Smallmon Unsportsmanlike” and expect a controversy. In reality, Unsportsmanlike is simply the name of her show.

The full title is Unsportsmanlike with Evan, Canty and Michelle. It airs on ESPN Radio and ESPN platforms every weekday morning.

Quick Answer

What is Unsportsmanlike? It is ESPN Radio’s national morning show hosted by Evan Cohen, Chris Canty, and Michelle Smallmon, airing Monday to Friday from 6 to 10 a.m. ET with sports talk, interviews, and humor.

Show Format Table

FeatureDetails
NetworkESPN Radio
HostsEvan Cohen, Chris Canty, Michelle Smallmon
Time6 to 10 a.m. ET, Monday to Friday
StudioNew York City (South Street Seaport)
StyleSports news, debate, guests, humor
DebutSeptember 5, 2023

The Show’s Personality

The idea is to bring a little levity to the morning. Michelle has explained that people wake up busy, with work and kids on their minds. The hosts want listeners to have fun hanging out with them.

That balance of real analysis and light moments is the brand. On Halloween 2024, the trio dressed as characters from Happy Gilmore, and Michelle wore an alligator costume while giving serious baseball analysis.

Memorable Moments

Michelle’s first day became a story on its own. She revealed that she arrived with a black eye after tripping over an air purifier cord while vacuuming.

In summer 2024, the show ran an “NFL Bachelorette” segment. Michelle, a Rams fan without a team since the move, “dated” teams and narrowed her list to the Jets, Bears, and Packers.

She chose the Green Bay Packers. Part of her reason was that the franchise has no owner who might move it.

The Rams Caller Moment

Fans also remember a caller asking why she doesn’t support the Rams. Michelle explained that she was speaking from her city’s viewpoint. It is a good example of her honest, relatable style.

Michelle Smallmon Age

Michelle Smallmon is about 40 years old as of November 2026. Several online profiles list her date of birth as August 13, 1986.

ESPN does not publish her birthday in its official bio. However, The News-Gazette described her as 38 in November 2024, which matches a 1986 birth year. Her 2008 graduation also fits.

How Old Is Michelle Smallmon? (Quick Math)

Reference PointAge
November 2024 (News-Gazette)38
Birthday in August 2025Turned 39 (if Aug 13, 1986 is correct)
Birthday in August 2026Turned 40 (if Aug 13, 1986 is correct)
Today (Nov 3, 2026)About 40

Be careful with websites that say she is in her “early 50s”. That claim is wrong and not supported by any reliable source.

Zodiac Sign

If the August 13 birthday is accurate, her zodiac sign would be Leo. Treat this as a fun detail, not an official one.

Michelle Smallmon Husband/Spouse

This is one of the most searched topics, and also the most polluted by false information.

Is Michelle Smallmon married? There is no reliable public confirmation that Michelle Smallmon is married, engaged, or has a spouse. ESPN’s bio and major interviews do not mention a husband.

Claims to Ignore

Some content-farm pages say she has a husband with two children in Connecticut. Other pages list a famous singer as her “husband”. These claims are unsourced and should be ignored.

Another site says she covers college basketball for ESPN as a reporter. That is also incorrect. She is a radio host.

What We Know About Her Personal Life

Michelle keeps her personal life private. In interviews, she talks about work, her parents’ influence, her love for St. Louis sports, and her life in New York.

Her closest personal details are public in a different way: she lives in New York City, supports the Packers now, and remains devoted to Illinois sports.

Relationship Status Table

QuestionVerified Answer
HusbandNo confirmed information
SpouseNo confirmed information
ChildrenNo confirmed information
Boyfriend or partnerNot publicly discussed
ResidenceNew York City

Respecting privacy matters here. If she chooses to share more, official channels like her X account are the right place to look.

Michelle Smallmon Height, Weight, and Weight Loss

Many fans search for physical stats. Here is the honest picture.

Physical Stats Table

StatDetails
HeightNot officially published; sites list 5’6″ to 5’7″ (about 168 to 170 cm)
WeightNot officially published; one unverified site lists 65 kg (about 143 lbs)
Eye ColorNot officially published
Hair ColorBlonde in most public photos
BuildAthletic; former high school soccer player

The height and weight numbers above come from non-official sources and can be wrong. They are shown only because people search for them.

Michelle Smallmon Weight Loss

Did Michelle Smallmon have a weight loss transformation? There is no verified report, interview, or statement from Michelle about a weight loss journey. Claims online are speculation.

It is good practice not to guess about anyone’s body or health. Her career is about her voice and ideas, and that is what the audience hears every morning.

Fitness and Running

Michelle has shared content related to running and New York City life, and some video titles reference an NYC Marathon journey. She has not published a diet plan or “transformation” story.

Michelle Smallmon Ethnicity

What is Michelle Smallmon’s ethnicity? Michelle has not publicly discussed her ethnic background in ESPN’s bio or major interviews. She is American and was born and raised in Belleville, Illinois.

Some websites write “diverse” or list guesses. Those are not facts. Her surname is not enough to confirm a family origin, so this article does not guess.

Michelle Smallmon Wikipedia

Many fans search for “Michelle Smallmon Wikipedia” because they want a single, neutral page. A well-sourced Wikipedia article would be a good reference, but you should check Wikipedia directly for its current status.

Several websites use the words “Wikipedia” in their titles just to attract clicks. Those pages are not Wikipedia and often copy each other with mistakes.

Where to Find Reliable Information

SourceWhat It Offers
ESPN Press RoomOfficial bio and career summary
The News-Gazette (U of I profile)Education, early career, quotes
Front Office SportsCareer move and morning show story
Barrett MediaIndustry news and show coverage
Awful AnnouncingShow moments and interviews

Michelle Smallmon Net Worth and Salary

What is Michelle Smallmon’s net worth? Her net worth has not been officially disclosed. Some websites estimate $1 million to $2 million, but these are unverified estimates, not audited numbers.

Income Sources

Her income most likely comes from these professional activities:

  • ESPN Radio contract: National morning show co-host
  • Producer background: Years of paid work at ESPN Radio and 101 ESPN
  • Live events and hosting: In-game hosting and event appearances
  • Podcast and digital work: Appearances across ESPN platforms

Salary Table

ItemStatus
Official salaryNot publicly disclosed
Online salary estimateAbout $100,000 per year (unverified)
Net worth estimate$1 million to $2 million (unverified)
Main employerESPN Radio

Why the Numbers Are Uncertain

Radio hosts rarely publish their contracts. ESPN does not share talent pay. Websites that publish exact figures usually just copy each other.

A national morning-show job at ESPN is a senior position in sports radio. Still, treat any single number as a rough guess.

Michelle Smallmon on Social Media

Michelle is active on X (formerly Twitter) under @msmallmon, which ESPN links in her official bio. Fans use it to follow show clips, takes, and updates.

Social Media Overview

PlatformNotes
X (Twitter)@msmallmon, linked from ESPN’s official bio
ESPN RadioShow clips and episodes
Podcast platformsUnsportsmanlike episodes and daily segments
YouTubeInterviews and show highlights from various outlets

Beware of fake accounts. Always check the handle and ESPN’s link before following or trusting any profile.

Where to Listen

The show airs on ESPN Radio and is available through ESPN platforms and audio apps. It is a national program, so people across the United States and around the world can stream it online.

Michelle Smallmon’s Impact on Women in Sports Media

Michelle’s story matters beyond her own career. She is proof that women can lead morning drives on a major national network.

Key Points of Impact

  • First woman with her name on a 101 ESPN show: Karraker & Smallmon made station history.
  • National morning slot: Morning drive is the cornerstone of ESPN Radio, going back to the Mike & Mike era.
  • Producer to host path: She shows that behind-the-scenes talent can become on-air talent.
  • Community leadership: Charity board service shows she cares about her city.

A Lesson for Young Broadcasters

She said on-air work was never her original goal. She just said yes when someone asked. That attitude opened every door.

Her story also shows the value of networking. She stayed in contact with KSDK after the economic crash, and that contact led to her first job.

Aspiring broadcasters can learn from her habits: apply for everything, ask to help, take mentors seriously, and be willing to move.

What Makes Michelle Smallmon Stand Out?

Plenty of people host sports shows. Here is what sets her apart.

1. A Real Fan’s Perspective

She does not pretend to be neutral about everything. Her love for the Cardinals, Blues, Illinois sports, and her heartbreak over the Rams make her relatable.

2. Humor Without Losing Analysis

She can joke in an alligator costume and still deliver serious baseball analysis in the same hour. That balance is hard to do.

3. A Producer’s Brain

Because she started as a producer, she understands how shows are built. Timing, guest flow, and segment structure come naturally to her.

4. Courage to Reinvent

She left a comfortable job in her hometown to chase a big-city dream. For months she had no secure full-time role. The bet worked, but it took real courage.

Strengths Table

StrengthWhy It Matters
Producer experienceStrong show-building instincts
Local rootsAuthentic fan voice
National reachSpeaks to a wide audience
Humor and warmthMakes early mornings easier for listeners
Work ethicBuilt career step by step

Interesting Facts About Michelle Smallmon

  • She almost became a dermatologist. A freshman chemistry class changed her mind.
  • She was a soccer standout at Althoff Catholic High School.
  • She was in Block I and Orange Krush at Illinois.
  • She worked on Monday Night Football during college.
  • She worked at a jewelry store while trying to make it in New York.
  • She chose the Packers in the NFL Bachelorette segment.
  • She was the in-game host for the XFL’s St. Louis BattleHawks.
  • Her first day on Unsportsmanlike included a black eye from a vacuum cord accident.
  • She dressed as an alligator for the Happy Gilmore Halloween episode.
  • She interviewed Illinois players and coaches on her first campus visit since graduating, including for a College GameDay podcast.

Common Myths vs Facts

Because so many low-quality pages exist, here is a quick comparison.

MythFact
She is in her early 50sShe is about 40
She is an ESPN college basketball reporterShe is a radio host and former producer
She has a famous singer as a husbandNo such claim is verified
She has two kids in ConnecticutNot confirmed; she lives in New York City
“Unsportsmanlike” is a scandalIt is her show’s name
Her net worth is officially $XIt is not disclosed

FAQs 

What is Michelle Smallmon’s age?

Michelle Smallmon is about 40 years old in November 2026. Her birthday is widely reported as August 13, 1986.

How old is Michelle Smallmon?

She is around 40. The News-Gazette described her as 38 in late 2024, which fits a 1986 birth year.

Who is Michelle Smallmon?

She is an ESPN Radio host and former producer from Belleville, Illinois. She co-hosts Unsportsmanlike with Evan Cohen and Chris Canty.

Is Michelle Smallmon married or single?

Her marital status is not publicly confirmed. Reliable sources do not mention a husband, so claims online should be treated with caution.

What is Michelle Smallmon’s net worth?

Her net worth is not officially disclosed. Unverified websites estimate $1 million to $2 million.

What is Michelle Smallmon’s salary?

ESPN does not publish her salary. Some sites guess around $100,000 per year, but that number is unverified.

Where is Michelle Smallmon from?

She is from Belleville, Illinois, near St. Louis, Missouri. She lives in New York City now.

What does Michelle Smallmon do at ESPN?

She co-hosts Unsportsmanlike, ESPN Radio’s weekday morning show from 6 to 10 a.m. ET. She previously worked as an ESPN Radio producer.

Where did Michelle Smallmon go to college?

She graduated from the University of Illinois in 2008 with a degree in broadcast journalism.

What is Michelle Smallmon’s height?

Her height is not officially published. Some sites list about 5’6″ to 5’7″.

Did Michelle Smallmon lose weight?

There is no verified statement or report about weight loss. Online claims are speculation.

What is Michelle Smallmon’s ethnicity?

She has not publicly discussed it. She is American and was born in Belleville, Illinois.

Conclusion

Michelle Smallmon’s story is simple but powerful. She started as a part-time production assistant, moved through St. Louis radio, produced at ESPN in Connecticut, and then bet on herself in New York.

Today, she is a national voice on ESPN Radio’s Unsportsmanlike. Her age is about 40, her biography shows steady growth, and her career proves that hard work and curiosity matter.

On the questions people search most: her husband or spouse is not publicly confirmed, her net worth and salary are not officially disclosed, and her weight loss, ethnicity, and exact height have no verified public statements. Her professional record, however, is clear and well documented.

If you want to follow her, listen to Unsportsmanlike on ESPN Radio weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m. ET, or follow her on X at @msmallmon. Always rely on ESPN and trusted outlets, not copy-paste biography sites.

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