Damon Sayles ‘01, a Texas State University (TXST) journalism and mass communication alum, was a contestant on the November 20 episode of Wheel of Fortune and was tremendously close to winning the $1 million jackpot.
“I was able to meet some really cool people, which has evolved into longtime acquaintanceships with people around the country,” said Sayles. “I also was reminded that bucket-list items are attainable. Never in a million years did I think I'd get to play ‘Wheel.’ But look at what happened. It's crazy every time I think about it.”
Sayles successfully landed on the $1 million wedge and managed to hold on to it the entire match. He was the biggest winner of the night and correctly solved all three puzzles in the Triple Toss-Up.
He expresses that being on the game show was a dream come true, “In addition to playing a game I've watched all my life, it was an opportunity to honor my aunt, Beverly. As a child, I watched two shows with her: ‘Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood’ and ‘Wheel of Fortune.’ She even called me ‘Mr. Rogers.’ When we watched ‘Wheel,’ we'd have fun solving the puzzles together. She made me better, and in a weird way, a 7-year-old kid made her better.”
Sayles currently lives in Plano, Texas and is the Senior Editor for Culture at The Athletic, a respected sports journalism website and a subsidiary of The New York Times. He is also an active member of the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE). A media professional for nearly 30 years, Sayles is an experienced editor, writer, blogger, podcast host and moderator. He’s worked at several major media outlets, including ESPN, The Dallas Morning News, Rivals.com, and Bleacher Report.
In addition to being a Texas State graduate, he is also a graduate of the APSE Diversity Fellowship, as well as a graduate of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Leadership Academy. Additionally, Sayles was inducted into the inaugural class of Who’s Who in Black Dallas. He is also a Life Member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
“It's always cool to help put Texas State — what my old heads still call SWT — on the map,” said Sayles. “We have some amazing people who graduate from our university, so any time I can do something of importance, I want to make sure the school gets love, as well.”