Since early childhood, Tyler Danburg dreamed of being a sports broadcaster but his path to achieving that goal hasn’t been an easy one. Tyler was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome when he was six-years-old, an obstacle that could have derailed his goal.
But for Tyler, it was a motivator. Now a third-year journalism student at Ohio State, he’s a seasoned broadcaster with experience calling sports ranging from football, women’s soccer and more. He’s plying his trade with the university’s student-run Scarlet and Gray Sports Radio (SGSR) network as well as B1G+, a streaming service led by the B1G Network.
We sat down with Tyler recently to chat about his diagnosis, his multitude of experiences at Ohio State and how his story is one of determination and overcoming.
Tell me a little about your background. How did you get into broadcasting?
Well, I’m from Fairview Park, Ohio, which is on the west side of Cleveland. I’ve known I was meant to be a broadcaster since the age of three. Literally, for my third Christmas, I got a headset and a microphone and ran around the family Christmas party interviewing people. In high school, I helped found our school’s first-ever broadcasting network, and that’s where I really learned to love the craft.
Walk me through your diagnosis with Tourette syndrome. How did it affect you as not only a broadcaster, but as a person in general?
I was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome when I was 6. It started off pretty mild, like some wheezes here and there, but it started to progress as I got a little older. It was hard. I wasn’t sure what other people thought because it was so new. My friends and family were just as confused and curious as I was.
But I truly believe broadcasting has helped me more than anything. There was always a little bit of doubt in the back of my mind because of my diagnosis, but from the moment I put on a headset, I’m dialed in. It’s almost been an escape for me.
But I truly believe broadcasting has helped me more than anything. There was always a little bit of doubt in the back of my mind because of my diagnosis, but from the moment I put on a headset, I’m dialed in. It’s almost been an escape for me.
Did you always want to come to Ohio State? What drew you here?
Honestly, I was drawn to Ohio State because of the sheer volume of opportunities for sports broadcasters. I mean, you’re able to start calling games as soon as you step through the door. I looked at a lot of different schools, but I knew this was the fit. The opportunities at SGSR, the fantastic program of B1G+, and the quality of athletics here as well have just been amazing. As my senior year of high school went on, I just knew in my heart that Columbus was going to be home for the next four years.
What are some of your favorite opportunities you’ve had here in Columbus? How have they driven you towards the career you want?
I’ve been able to do so many things and go so many places here that I wouldn’t have ever imagined I’d do. One of my favorite games to broadcast has to be the 2022 Peach Bowl. It was absolutely surreal. I was so nervous, I even sweated through my suit jacket, but I got to call Marvin Harrison Jr.’s diving catch in the endzone, and that’s something I’ll never forget. Getting to do these things and go to those places has put me in the position to kickstart my career as soon as I graduate, and I have Ohio State to thank for that.
Have you had any mentors here at Ohio State that have helped you achieve your goals?
Oh my. How many can I name? Dr. Nicole Kraft has helped me in so many different ways. As a broadcaster, as a person, as a writer, she just cares so much about each and every one of her students. Spencer Hunt, the director for The Lantern, has also been unbelievable, especially helping me with my quality of writing. All of the SIDs at Ohio State Athletics have been so welcoming to myself and my fellow broadcasters. They’ve all been extremely accommodating and have shown so much kindness, and we’re so lucky to have a staff like that.
If you had one thing to say to a potential Buckeye who might be struggling with Tourette syndrome or another hurdle in life, what would it be?
Embrace who you are. Look, everyone makes mistakes. When I make mistakes on air, I just have to look past it and move on. Don’t let anything prevent you from doing whatever you want to do for the rest of your life. If you can rise above and rise against and do what you love, regardless of whatever condition you might have, you just go out and do it.
