From Wickliffe to pioneering TV role: Jayne Kennedy’s memoir released this month

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Jayne Kennedy was back in the news this week with the release of her memoir, “Plain Jayne.”

Kennedy – who was raised in Wickliffe – was an anomaly on television in the 1970s, a pioneering African-American woman who was involved in a variety of on-screen roles. She broke ground on CBS’ “The NFL Today,” but the former beauty queen also acted, sang, performed and did a variety of roles in a wide-ranging career. She has transitioned into becoming a businesswoman.

Here are five things to know about Kennedy’s book:

1. Her identity remains deeply rooted in her Wickliffe upbringing

Despite a career that took her to both coasts, Kennedy emphasizes that her formative years remain her “core.” She chose the title “Plain Jayne” for her memoir to reflect that, stating, “My core is the way I grew up, the way my family raised me.” The book dedicates space to her childhood, an intentional choice to show who she truly is. She writes: “Wickliffe would always be my home base, my safe haven,” and she adds she made a promise to herself to “never become anyone but Jayne from Wickliffe, Ohio.”

2. Kennedy broke ground in 1970s sports broadcasting

In an era before cable television and the internet, Kennedy became a prominent face on CBS’s “The NFL Today.” As an African-American woman in sports coverage, she joined a team that included anchor Brent Musburger, breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry. Her presence on one of the era’s most-watched and earliest studio shows made her a trailblazer for women and people of color in sports journalism.

3. She overcame explicit bias to secure her ‘NFL Today’ audition

When Kennedy pursued the opening on “The NFL Today,” she was told, “They’re not looking for anyone like you,” which she understood to mean the network wanted a white woman with a traditional journalism background. Undeterred, she used a connection with NFL legend Jim Brown to get a call on her behalf, which landed her an audition. She found herself as the only Black candidate among 16 finalists and ultimately won the job. Afterward, Musburger stood up for her, stating: “It’s Jayne or nobody.”

4. A bold move involving Muhammad Ali helped secured her network contract

Initially hired for only six weeks, Kennedy proved her value with a display of bold resourcefulness. When she overheard CBS staffers frustrated because they could not secure an interview with Muhammad Ali before his rematch against Leon Spinks, she confidently declared, “I can get you the interview.” Despite skepticism from the crew, she convinced the network to fly her to New Orleans, where she used her prior friendship with the boxer to land the interview. The next day, she was given her full-year contract.

5. Kennedy’s career showcases diverse talents and enduring entrepreneurial spirit

Beyond her landmark role in broadcasting, Kennedy’s resume includes acting, modeling and creating the successful “Love Your Body” exercise video series. A skilled seamstress, she once sewed her own outfit for the Oscars in just two days. Now 73, her work continues; she makes fine jewelry, is releasing a fragrance and has started a company called “Not Done Yet,” embodying her mantra of persistence.

Plain Jayne

By Jayne Kennedy, Andscape Books, 384 pages. $28.99.