About Kyle &
Our Foundation
On June 10, 2023, Kyle Matthew Brown left this life suddenly and unexpectedly. For Kyle's family and friends, the sense of loss was - and continues to be - indescribably profound. In Kyle's 42 years, his presence in virtually every walk of life left an indelible impact on those around him. As we mourn Kyle's passing, however, it's important that we also celebrate the role he played in each of our lives. We are all better people for having known him.
In the words of longtime friend and fellow director at ESPN, Jimmy Platt, "To know Kyle Brown was to know greatness. Everything he did in life was through a lens of 'how do I make this great?'" For those acquainted with Kyle from his earliest years, we know this assertion to be true far beyond his role in television production. Throughout life, Kyle had big dreams, and he achieved them through his faith, hard work, unwavering support from his family, and a belief not only in himself, but in those around him as well. As any former teammate or colleague will tell you, Kyle's leadership always had a way of bringing out the best in others.
At Washington High School, Kyle had a stellar athletic career. He was a four year varsity letter winner in basketball and baseball, and a three-year winner in football. Kyle would go on to become an Ohio State Buckeye, where he was a four-year pitcher who helped lead OSU to a Big Ten Championship in 2001 and an NCAA Regional Championship in 2003. As a senior, his teammates voted him to be a captain and jokingly referred to him as "Washington Court House's favorite son." It was a sentiment later reflected by his induction to the Blue Lion Athletic Hall of Fame.
In 2004, Kyle graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Connecticut to commence his journey toward becoming a director at ESPN. For 16 years, Kyle had the pleasure of working on a variety of crews that included Monday Night Football, the College Football National Championship, and the NBA Finals. Truly gifted in the industry and deeply admired by those who worked with him, he was also a two-time Sports Emmy Award winner. Additionally, Kyle served as an adjunct professor at Youngstown State University, assisting in the development of its sports broadcasting program. In this way, he was able to pay it forward by helping students find a path toward achieving their dreams, just as Kyle's mentors had helped him achieve his own.
Without question, Kyle's greatest achievement was his family. In 2007, he and Megan committed their hearts to one another in marriage. Together, their adventure took them to various spots around the country before they eventually settled in Megan's hometown of Canfield, Ohio. Along the way, they had four beautiful children. It's long been established that Kyle thoroughly enjoyed being a dad. Whether he was cheering them on at games, chaperoning a school event, or organizing a neighborhood kickball game, being an active part in his children's lives was everything to Kyle. Today, Makayla, Carson, Camden and Madyn are each every bit as intelligent, talented, funny, kind, and loving as Kyle was, and they'll carry his influence from here on out.
While Kyle is no longer with us physically, his story does not end here. His approach to life was a beacon for anybody who has taken the time to observe and appreciate his enthusiasm for living, for making the most of every opportunity to, as Kyle would say, "do cool things," for building relationships and seeing the value in others, and for giving back to his community. By following his example, we can all play a part in seeing Kyle's legacy live on through our actions.
The Kyle M. Brown Memorial Foundation exists to continue Kyle’s legacy of kindness, generosity, and passion for supporting the youth of the community and beyond. Whether through college scholarships or partnering with community organizations, we pay tribute to the one who always reminded us that it is all about the kids.
We look forward to exploring how to use the funds raised to best support the kids of the community and beyond.