Bio

Former NFL linebacker, Emmy-winning broadcaster and New York Times bestselling author Emmanuel Acho co-hosts the FS1 original program THE FACILITY. He also contributes to FOX Sports’ college football studio coverage, alongside former University of Washington head coach Chris Petersen and reporter Bruce Feldman.

Acho was taken in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns after a four-year college career with the Texas Longhorns. After spending four seasons in the NFL, largely with the Philadelphia Eagles, he transitioned into broadcasting as an analyst for the Longhorn Network in 2016. Acho quickly emerged as one of the sport’s preeminent voices and made the leap to ESPN in 2018, appearing on college football Saturday programming as well as the network’s studio shows. In 2019, he was recognized for his exemplary on-air work as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, and in 2021, he was honored with a Sports Emmy for Outstanding Sports Personality/Emerging On Air Talent.

Outside of broadcasting, Acho is well known for his advocacy work, most recently producing a video series titled “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man,” which opened a virtual conversation with white America to educate and inform on racism and social injustice. The series has been a resounding success, winning a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Short Form Nonfiction Or Reality Series in 2021 and debuting with over 22 million views across social media platforms. Acho has since partnered with Oprah Winfrey and Macmillian Publishers for a two book deal, beginning with “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man,” which debuted on the New York Times best-seller list upon its release in November 2020. His second book, “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Boy,” an engaging children’s book whose aim is opening a dialogue about systemic racism, was released in May 2021.

Acho also takes an active role in his family’s non-profit organization, Living Hope Christian Ministries, which provides medical care to rural communities in Nigeria.

A Dallas native, Acho holds a bachelor’s degree in sports management and a master’s degree in sports psychology from The University of Texas at Austin.