The school yard can be a microclimate for all sorts of gimmicks, hand-to-hand fights and social hierarchies on the most ridiculous levels, but who would have thought that the break could lay the foundation for a future of television sports coverage.
“I’m in the [San Fernando] Valley in Los Angeles, ”says Eric Perkins, formerly at KARE 11-TV. “I definitely got sick of pretty much every game on the playground and even made up my share, but one thing I always remember was grabbing the heads of magnolia flowers and pretending they were microphones and then.” Playing game after game with other children playing games – strange, but a sign of the future. ”
The mental image of little Perkins honing his blossoming (pun intended) broadcast skills in the playground while the rest of the class work on recess isn’t entirely surprising considering what his dad did for a living. Jack Perkins had a notable television career, including as a correspondent for the NBC Nightly News and The Today Show, and most notably as a presenter of A & E’s Biography. He died in 2019, leaving a legacy of insight. “He has provided tons of wisdom over the years,” says Perkins. “I would send him rolls of my work and we would go over each story and show and just pick them apart. He would encourage me to be my own toughest critic. “
Perkins, 56, left his post as longtime sports broadcaster on KARE 11 last August, showcasing his take on local and national sports, and occasionally mingling in with his Perk at Play segments that could be equally silly and informative Mixture, heartwarming and downright funny to look at, especially when Perkins demonstrated his flair for slapstick. “I loved taking part in a demolition derby at Redwood Falls,” he says. “My other personal favorites were home runs with [former MLBer] Jim Thome during spring training, one day Mayor of Milaca and ice sailing on Lake Minnetonka. “
Perkins joined KARE in 1996 as a sports reporter. In 2012 he was appointed weekend sports spokesman for the station and sports director of KARE. He also served as a moderator and public speaker for various events and hosted the Pinky Swear Foundation’s annual Mess Fest.
Between college and KARE, Perkins held brief stints in Tupelo, Miss., And Memphis, Tennessee, where “That earned me the nickname Elvis,” he says. “We also have the same initials.” (Is there any secret suspicion that the initials weren’t the only reason for the nickname?)
But why move to Minnesota when he lived the fair weather life in the south of the country? “On TV, you have to go where the jobs are,” says Perkins. “It’s a competitive business. After these first jobs in the south, the opportunity to report on professional sports in a large market was too good to pass up. “
Perkins was certainly rewarded for this decision in a number of ways, including receiving several regional Emmy Awards for Perk at Play and a segment called Trippin ‘with Perk. He also received the TEGNA Community Empowerment Award for his commitment to the Mess Fest.
Leaving the comfort of the familiar can be daunting. How does Perkins describe his current situation? “Invigorating,” says the resident of Mound. “I was curious as to whether or not I would question my decision on the other side, but honestly, all the time outside of TV only confirmed to me that this was actually what I had to do.”
“I don’t miss working those hours,” he says. “I certainly don’t miss having to wear make-up every day. I was also starting to get annoyed at how much the work of the sports department was being pushed back. It was becoming increasingly difficult to develop high quality stories with marginal airtime and limited resources. ”
“[Leaving the station] was primarily driven by my loss of passion for the job, ”says Perkins. “The hours were certainly a burden, but the daily work didn’t light my fire. I’ve been doing this for so long, and while it was an amazing career that offered so many memorable opportunities, there was such an overwhelming feeling that I did that that it felt like a giant hamster wheel that I would never go into to be able to get out. ”
We have encountered so many stories from people who have changed their personal lives, careers, education and more during the pandemic. Did that matter for Perkins? “I wasn’t influenced by other people’s decisions at all, but my time at home totally forced me to look inward and reevaluate,” he says. “I broadcast at my home for over a year and that gave me tangible evidence on a daily basis of how much I missed at home instead of being in the studio all day.”
Regardless of motivation, change can be an uncomfortable outfit, and Perkins offers his perspective. “Change is totally uncomfortable, but in the end comfort doesn’t go hand-in-hand with happiness,” he says. “I would just ask people to check in to themselves on a regular basis. Take the time to evaluate your luck and what really matters. If you’re stuck in something that just because it’s a solid paycheck makes you feel unhappy, take the time to come up with an exit strategy. Our time on earth is far too arbitrary not to be happy. In the end, it’s not only terrible for you, but probably for your employer as well, to be in a career that you don’t enjoy – not to mention the people who are closest to you. “
Speaking of family, apart from the consequences of changing jobs, how do his wife and children feel about his newly found availability? “My family, or Team Perk as we call ourselves, is more than fine with me more, even if it may be temporary until I get a new job,” says Perkins. “These are really important times in their lives and I am mutually welcome to be more present with them.” Team Perk includes his wife, Shelley; Daughters Jenna (17) and Maeve (11); and son, George (15).
What can Perkins do on a daily basis that his schedule has not yet allowed? “Cook dinner,” he says.
“I love family meals and consider myself a pretty decent cook, that was great.” His signature dish: “I love trying all kinds of recipes, but I’m best known for my guacamole, which my friends call ‘percamole’,” he says.
“It was also really nice to be able to attend events or events, be it a variety of kids’ sports, an occasional happy hour, galas, church activities, or even bonfires with friends,” says Perkins. “It’s not that these opportunities have never been there, but now I can actually enjoy them without running back to script the 10pm show.”
While Perkins doesn’t look in the rearview mirror for long, he thinks about some of the parts of leaving the station. “I definitely miss some of the people,” he says. “There is immense talent and great friendliness in this building.”
Where does Perkins want to end up after saying goodbye to a long-running gig? “I look forward to starting the next chapter in a role where I can capitalize on the tremendous amounts of connections I’ve made over the years,” he says. “I’ve built a pretty substantial brand for myself in this market and not using it positively would be irresponsible.”
The three best finishers
What are your three top Minnesota sports stories or events?
“The Diggs miracle reception. I still get the chills watching this highlight. ”(During the final game of the NFL Conference Divisional Playoff game in January 2018 between the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints, Vikings quarterback Case Keenum threw a 27-yard Pass to wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who ran for a 61-yard touchdown.The game marked the first in NFL playoff history to end in a touchdown after time ran out.)
“Watching Lindsey Vonn win gold in Vancouver. Unforgettable. ”(This medal was won at the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver in the downhill race.)
“Andrew Brunette’s goal in Colorado in the seventh game in 2003. Best post-game atmosphere in the dressing room ever.” (The overtime goal for the Minnesota Wild was scored in the first round of the 2003 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Colorado Avalanche .)
This or that
College or Professional Sports?
“Pro. My alma mater Pepperdine [University] doesn’t even have a soccer team. ”
Olympic Winter or Summer Games?
“It’s a difficult thing. But I would put winter on top of the podium. “
Play-by-play or color commentary?
“Game by game. The best are those who don’t attract attention. Truly an art. “
Minnesota Winter or Summer?
“Summer. No school. Therefore more time with the children! “
Perk has something to say
Is there an interview that you would like to repeat?
“None because I regret not asking what I should have asked, but more than that, just because I loved talking to them – and that’s my type [former NBA player and Minnesota Timberwolf] Kevin Garnett. I have always really appreciated our conversations. On-Cam and Off-Cam. “
Is there an interview out there that you would like to do?
“I’ve always wanted to interview Prince. I will of course never get this chance, but that could have been epic. “
You come back as a professional athlete – what do you play?
“I would like to join the Pickleball Circuit at some point. I’m so in love with this sport at the moment. ”
Where is your favorite restaurant, shop, or recreation area around Lake Minnetonka?
“We have so many favorites, but McCormick’s Pub & Restaurant is probably high on our list. We just love Tim and Paty [McCormick] There. “Curious about his go-to order?” A Diane burger with truffle fries. Game is over! So good. I also love burrata and shishito peppers with bubbles. ”
“When it comes to recreation, I can often be found at the Orono Activity Center playing basketball with a couple of fathers in the morning. We call ourselves the “Big Daddy Ballers”. … I also love going to the Julia Moss Designs gift shop on Lake Street. Your things are always
so cool and unique. ”
Last question: Any plans to grow your hair out like former WCCO TV newscaster Don Shelby?
“Zero – but not having to shave every day has been a pretty cool perk lately.”
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