From professional to student of the game

Dek: Guarin-Camargo made the transition from professional footballer to journalism student to continue to entertain

By: Tanner Russ

Juan Guarin-Camargo (right) wants to bring American football to Latin America.

SYRACUSE, N.Y.—There has always been a love of football for Syracuse’s Juan Guarin-Camargo. The Colombian American has put in more than his fair share of time on the field, and now wants to expand his passion for the sport to the studio.

            A graduate student at the S.I Newhouse School of Public Communications, Guarin-Camargo’s love of the game began in high school and continued to grow to the point of professional competition. Guarin-Camargo played abroad on a German professional team named the Unicorns, in Schwuabisch Hall, Germany as a part of an exchange program at the age of 19. The competition against much larger and older men took its toll on Guarin-Camargo, who suffered several broken fingers and a pair of concussions by the time he was done competing.

            As much fun as he had on the field, Guarin-Camargo took a liking to the off-field responsibilities even more.

            “I found myself enjoying it more when I would talk to fans and I would talk to people on the sidelines about what was going on,” Guarin-Camargo said. “I was having fun with the banter and everything. That’s where the interest grew. I went to Rutgers for four years and studied journalism, and then I came here for my Masters.”

            Guarin-Camargo has high hopes for his future in the media. While a member of Newhouse’s Broadcast Journalism program, he hopes to move into an entertainment role. He cited the NFL Network’s Dave Dameshek and Andrew Siciliano, and ESPN’s Katie Nolan as examples of his aspirations.

For the audio interview with Guarin-Camargo, click here. For a complete transcription of the interview, click here.