Brian Lockhart currently serves as vice president and executive producer of Original Content for ESPN+, ESPN’s subscription-based streaming service. He is responsible for overseeing strategy and development for all ESPN+ original programming initiatives, including new projects as well as existing shows.
Prior to his relatively new role at ESPN, Brian was vice president and executive producer of Original Content for NFL Media. He was responsible for overseeing the development and production of a wide array of content on multiple platforms, from long-form documentary series to digital media ventures and features. His responsibilities also extended beyond storytelling to include production, business development, and strategic leadership across several divisions.
Brian developed, produced, and launched the NFL Network Originals series Undrafted and Football Town, the digital series NFL Life, and a pair of innovative new projects to be announced later this season. He was also the driving creative force behind the development of the original NFL Network documentary series The Timeline, highlighted by the critically acclaimed installment America’s Game and the Iran Hostage Crisis (co-produced with George Clooney’s Smokehouse Pictures).
He began his NFL tenure in 2007 as coordinating producer for the network’s Features group. There he helped construct and develop the short-form unit that would grow to service multiple news, information/studio shows, and social platforms, and he steered the division’s embrace of digital storytelling outlets. From hiring producers and overseeing budgets to identifying and recruiting talent in front of and behind the camera, he was instrumental in building the unit into the acclaimed division it remains today. Among the highlights of his tenure were digital/broadcast hybrid projects that earned him two of his seven career Emmy Awards: the groundbreaking multiplatform experience JFK: The Untold Story of That Day in Dallas and the digital series The NFL Season: A Biography.
But his impact on the NFL Media Group extends beyond the successful content itself. As one of the highest-ranking executives of color, he has served as a member of the National Football League Diversity Council, and his work as co-chair of the Black Engagement Network earned him the 2018 Commissioner’s Award for Teamwork.
Prior to his NFL tenure, Brian spent six years as a features and replay producer for HBO Sports from 2001 to 2007. There he produced and developed nonfiction, news, and live event programs including Inside the NFL, World Championship Boxing and Costas Now. Among his notable productions from the field was Larry Merchant’s news-making interview with Nelson Mandela in Mozambique. While at HBO, Brian also oversaw the creative packaging of all HBO Sports content including World Championship Boxing, Sports of the 20th Century documentaries, Costas Now, and Inside the NFL.
Dating back to his first career production opportunities at ESPN (1996-1997) and ABC Sports (1997-2001), Brian has developed a consistently high level of production savvy, creative innovation, and thoughtful leadership. He began honing these qualities as the team captain for the basketball team at College of the Holy Cross, where he earned his B.A. in Mathematics in 1996. He has remained active in his alma mater as a member of the President’s Council, and he also serves as a board member for Young Life Hollywood. He has been married fifteen years to his wife Vicki, who teaches at the Curtis School in Los Angeles, and he is the father to Stella (age 10) and Oscar (age 7).
Brian is a passionate, enthusiastic supporter of ideas and provides strong encouragement for budding storytellers at every level of his division. His interpersonal skills and long-term vision for meaningful content have uniquely positioned him to thrive in an ever-changing media landscape, and he remains a strong industry example of integrity, inclusiveness, and professionalism.