Sportscaster James "JB" Brown Receives Trailblazer Hunger Leadership Award

The Congressional Hunger Center is pleased to announce sportscaster James “JB” Brown as the recipient of the 2025 Trailblazer Hunger Leadership Award. This award is presented to a public figure who has used their influence and prestige to create real change in fighting hunger in the U.S. or around the world.

James Brown is the current host of “The NFL Today” on CBS. In interviews, social media, and the NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats,” he has used his platform of sports journalism to raise awareness and educate the public about childhood hunger in the U.S. and the benefits of school meal programs. He also serves on the board of directors of GENYOUth, a national nonprofit organization that works to ensure children have access to good nutrition and physical exercise. In 2024, GENYOUth improved access to meals for 148 million children in the U.S.

“Throughout J.B.’s award-winning career, he has distinguished himself not only as the quintessential studio host but also as a versatile broadcaster and, in some instances, the conscience of the industry,” says Sports Broadcasting Hall of Famer Sean McManus, former chairman of CBS Sports.

A native of Washington, D.C., James Brown is a graduate of Harvard University, where he was a three-time All-Ivy selection in basketball. In addition to his broadcasting roles on CBS and Showtime, he is also a special correspondent for CBS News, having contributed to 60 Minutes, CBS Mornings, the CBS Evening News, and 48 Hours. Among his numerous honors and awards are five Emmys, the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Pete Rozelle Award, the National Association of Broadcasters’ 2023 Distinguished Service Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 45th Annual Sports Emmy Awards, and membership in the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame and Harvard Basketball Hall of Fame. Sports Illustrated named him the Best Studio Host of the Decade in 2010.

The Hunger Center will recognize James Brown, along with our other award recipients, on June 4 at the Hunger Leadership Awards, our annual celebration that brings together leaders from government, philanthropy, the private sector, and the wider anti-hunger community to recognize distinguished leaders whose vision and commitment are building the momentum to achieve zero hunger in the U.S. and around the world.