In addition to gracing our TV screens every day, ESPN’s Israel Gutierrez is best recognized as a journalist who loves sports and competition. From reporting on some of the most exciting sports games to interviewing some of the best athletes in the country, Gutierrez has not only built a stellar career and reputation but has also established himself as a household name. Besides his professional accomplishments, it is uncommon knowledge that the ESPN on-air personality also has personal impressive athletic records. Considered a powerhouse on the flag football field, here’s a detailed insight into Gutierrez’s life including his big “coming out” story.
Israel Gutierrez’s Bio
The Florida-born sports reporter and analyst’s birthdate is June 26, 1977. There is a dearth of information about Israel Gutierrez’s parents, family background and early life. Nonetheless, it is no secret that he is of Dominican descent and was raised by his parents in Miami. Israel’s academic records show that he first attended North Miami Senior High before proceeding to study journalism at the University of Florida, Gainesville.
Israel Gutierrez’s earliest job record dates back to his college days. First, he served as a staff writer for his school’s student newspaper – The Independent Florida Alligator, and also worked as a freelancer for three newspapers across the state of Florida before graduation.
Fresh out of college, Gutierrez landed a job with The Palm Beach Post: The Marlins Beat. He then moved on to cover the Miami Heat for the Miami Herald. In 2008, Israel started working TV for ESPN as a sports commentator and officially joined the network as a full staff in 2012.
At ESPN, Israel Gutierrez has served in various capacities and also risen through the journalistic ranks, establishing himself as a household name via the national platform. Notably, he has worked on hit shows such as Around the Horn, The Sports Reporters, Dan LeBatard Show, Highly Questionable, as well as co-hosting his own radio show Izzy and Spain.
In the course of his career, Israel Gutierrez has been afforded the opportunity to interview some of the best athletes in the country and also report on some of the most exciting sports games. Maintaining the same level of commitment and discipline, the Florida-born sports journalist has put his brain muscles to work and has undoubtedly built a stellar career and reputation.
Net Worth And Salary
Israel Gutierrez’s exact salary has not been disclosed but if his career profile is anything to go by, it is safe to say he has established himself as a formidable force in the industry. The sports journalist’s hard work and dedication have not only earned him fame but also financial rewards. He has amassed an impressive net worth that is currently pegged at $5 million.
Is He Gay Or Married To A Woman?
Until 2015, Israel Gutierrez was a happily private person who worked in the sports industry. It was in that year that the Around the Horn personality broke the hearts of many female fans when he publicly revealed that he is gay and engaged to be married. Before that click which exposed the entirety of his life to the public, Israel had largely kept that portion of his life separate from his professional career. More so, prior to coming out of the closet, many people had either deduced or guessed right about the sports reporter’s sexuality over the years. In fact, he had come out to friends and family many years earlier before deciding to eventually go public. The reason Israel came out publicly as gay at the time was primarily because he was already engaged and ready to tie the knot with his fiancé David Kitchen!
According to the sports journalist who made the big announcement on his blog, he and David met in 2009 and his life never remained the same thereafter. The couple got engaged in February 2014 and exchanged nuptial vows more than a year later in September 2015. Since then, Gutierrez and Kitchen have been together and are presumably in a happier place while also living their best lives yet. In fact, Guiterrez who never fails to state that he is so happy with his sexuality and marriage is also an activist, readily eager to help the advancement of the LGBT community.
See Also: Jonathan Coachman – Bio, Net Worth, Wife
Other Facts About Israel Gutierrez
1. Besides inspiring from the sidelines as a powerhouse on the football field, not many are aware that Israel “Izzy” Gutierrez is also an athlete with impressive records. Notably, he was a high-school heavyweight and later a marathoner as well as a lifter. The self-trained marathoner completed his first marathon in 2009.
2. Among the many pros he’s met in the course of his job, Israel Gutierrez counts the Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade as his all-time favorite athlete.
3. It is no news that the ESPN on-air personality has an athletic physique and peculiar physical attributes that can hardly go unnoticed. The grey-haired sports journalist stands tall at a height of 5 feet 11 inches. However, his weight and other body measurements have not been made public knowledge.
