Valrico teen sits in NFL booth after heart condition ends sports career
Fifteen-year-old Justin Pogorzala spent a day with CBS Sports announcer Kevin Harlan at Hard Rock Stadium during the Chiefs-Dolphins matchup.
By Kwame Silva ·
Justin Pogorzala sat in the broadcast booth at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday while the Kansas City Chiefs played the Miami Dolphins. The 15-year-old from Valrico wore a headset and watched the field from the perspective of professional announcers. This was the central part of a multi-day VIP trip arranged by Make-A-Wish Southern Florida.
Pogorzala requires an implantable cardiac defibrillator to prevent sudden cardiac arrest. The medical condition forced him to stop playing competitive sports. He is now training to become a play-by-play broadcaster. His goal is to work in the field where his athletic career ended.
Kevin Harlan, a CBS Sports announcer, served as the mentor for the experience. Harlan and Pogorzala met to discuss the broadcaster's career path. Harlan reviewed the teen's knowledge of the game and listened to his voice. He told Pogorzala he sees a promising future for him in broadcasting. Harlan also provided specific career advice during their time together.
The visit included access to areas usually reserved for staff and players. Pogorzala met athletes on the field. He watched an interview with Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes. He also received team gear and memorabilia from the organization. The family arrived at and departed from the stadium in a chauffeur-driven limousine.
The trip was a collaborative effort between several entities. CBS, the NFL, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Miami Dolphins all contributed to the behind-the-scenes access. Make-A-Wish Southern Florida coordinated the logistics for the wish. The organization provided photos and video documentation of the day. All visual materials are credited to the charity group.
Pogorzala had previously planned to continue as a young athlete. His diagnosis changed those plans. He shifted his focus to the radio booth. The experience gave him a direct look at the mechanics of a live NFL broadcast. It also provided a connection to a professional in the industry. The trip marked the end of the week-long engagement in South Florida.
