Tommy Rooney is a sports anchor, reporter, and current graduate student at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, where he is pursuing a master’s degree in Sports Media and Television, Radio, and Film. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Rooney earned his undergraduate degree in Journalism from Lehigh University in 2024.
Rooney created "Newhouse Grad Network," a live show designed to provide graduate students with valuable on-air experience. He serves as both an executive producer and analyst on the show. Additionally, he is an analyst on multiple Orange Television Network programs at Newhouse, including "Good Morning Sports Fans" and "Women’s Sports Update."
In 2021, Rooney launched "The Boys Upstairs Show," a podcast and YouTube series covering sports and pop culture. Since its inception, the show has amassed over 100,000 views across platforms and produced more than 180 episodes. Rooney has played a key role in every aspect of the show's growth, handling hosting, editing, marketing, merchandising, and production.
Rooney’s passion for sports drives his pursuit of excellence in the media industry, with the ultimate goal of becoming a trusted voice on a major network. He is captivated by the ever-evolving nature of sports, where each season brings new storylines, characters, and moments of drama. Rooney believes that sports have the power to transform everyday individuals into heroes and serve as a unifying escape for audiences. In his view, sports media should prioritize engaging, positive, and at times, comedic content over negativity to enhance the viewer experience.
Rooney talking to NFL player Denzel Ward at the 2025 Pro Bowl for Syracuse University