Ira Berkow, a celebrated sports columnist and features writer for The New York Times, earned the Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting during his distinguished 26-year career. Author of 19 books, including Red: A Biography of Red Smith and Maxwell Street: Survival in a Bazaar, Berkow’s works have achieved critical acclaim. His memoir, To the Hoop, was recognized as a Notable Book of the Year by The New York Times Sunday Book Review. His writing has been widely anthologized, earning honors such as the Best American Sports Writing of the Century.

Named “The Best Sportswriter in New York” by New York Magazine, Berkow has received numerous accolades, including a first prize in feature writing from The Deadline Club. His work has been featured in prestigious publications like Esquire, The New York Times Magazine, and Sports Illustrated.

A native of Chicago, Berkow is a graduate of Sullivan High School, Miami University, Northwestern University, and the Medill Graduate School of Journalism. He began his collegiate studies at Roosevelt University, where he played as a starting guard on the basketball team. Berkow was honored with an honorary doctorate from Roosevelt University and induction into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.

Celebrated by luminaries like Mike Royko, George Will, and Studs Terkel for his exceptional storytelling, Berkow is widely regarded as a master of his craft. He resides in New York City with his wife, Dolly.