ESPN The Magazine Launches With Next Generation Athletes on Cover

Posted on March 11, 1998

ESPN The Magazine made its much-anticipated debut today with the cover dedicated to a new generation of athletes -- players whose skill, style and athletic ability will impact their sport in the next millennium.

The four young, leading athletes profiled are Los Angeles Laker guard Kobe Bryant by Tom Friend; Pittsburgh Steeler quarterback Kordell Stewart by Rick Telander; Seattle Mariner Shortstop Alex Rodriguez by Tim Kurkjian; and Philadelphia Flyer linesman Eric Lindros by Dan Shaughnessy.

"The time has come for a new sports magazine, and ESPN The Magazine is it," said editor in chief John Papanek. "Our cover says it all: The Magazine is about looking ahead and speaking to a new generation of sports fans."

In The Magazine's "Editor's Note," Papanek summarizes the biweekly's mission, "We will be serious about sports, but not too serious...In each issue -- in words, pictures and design -- we hope to serve up celebration, expertise, inspiration, surprise and wit."

The Magazine's features and regular departments will bring news, analysis and perspective on readers' favorite sports, both in and out of season. Launched on March 11, 1998, ESPN The Magazine is a joint venture of Disney, ESPN and Hearst.

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