Early Life and Education

Neil Everett Morfitt was born in 1962 in Portland, Oregon. Although his exact birth date is not publicly known, he grew up in Spokane, Washington, where he attended Lewis and Clark High School, graduating in 1980. During his high school years, he developed a passion for sports, actively participating in both football and basketball. Known for his sharp intellect, Everett once sent a letter to a magazine editor criticizing a poorly written concert review—an early indication of his attention to communication and detail.

Everett began his undergraduate education at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, before transferring to the University of Oregon. He graduated from the University of Oregon in 1984. A significant moment in his personal life occurred when he lost his mother, Jackie, to cancer when she was only 45 years old. Despite this devastating experience, Everett continued to pursue his career ambitions with determination and resilience.

Transition into Broadcasting

Neil Everett began his professional journey in broadcasting at KCST, a television station in Coos Bay, Oregon. After a brief stint, he pivoted toward athletic administration, relocating to Hawaii to pursue opportunities in sports management. He spent 15 years in this field and was working at Hawaii Pacific University when he was approached by KITV, an ABC-affiliated television station in Honolulu.

Initially hired as a news writer at KITV, Everett steadily climbed the ranks to become an assignment editor and later, a sports anchor. This exposure laid the groundwork for his eventual transition into national sports broadcasting. Although his first audition with ESPN did not land him a role, the network later recognized his talent. He joined ESPN and became one of the prominent anchors on SportsCenter, debuting in that role in 2000—not 2009 as earlier reported.