Jimmy DeCicco ’15 had one of the best seats in the house for Super Bowl XLIX.
Thanks to a Colgate connection, DeCicco worked as an NBC Sports production assistant for the game that will long be remembered for its wild finish that resulted in a 28-24 win by the New England Patriots over the Seattle Seahawks.
A little post game fun @mhames pic.twitter.com/Yi8QpJe0EY
— Jimmy DeCicco (@JimmyDeCicco5) February 2, 2015
During his first year at Colgate, DeCicco attended a presentation given by Drew Esocoff ’79, director of NBC’s Sunday Night Football. The two stayed in touch and DeCicco was invited to join the Sunday Night Football crew for several NFL games, the Belmont Stakes, and most recently to work at this year’s Super Bowl in Phoenix.
“I have learned a tremendous amount about sports and entertainment production and I have a new-found appreciation for the rigorous work that goes into these shows,” said DeCicco.
During the game, DeCicco worked as a production assistant for NBC’s sideline reporter Michele Tafoya.
In the days leading up to the Super Bowl, DeCicco was responsible for helping out during camera rehearsals, picking up crew members and commentators from the airport, and setting up and breaking down sets, among other tasks.
“Four years as a Colgate football player has given me a unique perspective of the game, which has been a useful application to my work with NBC,” said DeCicco, a co-captain and wide receiver for the Raiders.
DeCicco, who majors in philosophy, is grateful for his opportunities provided by Esocoff and the Sunday Night Football crew. “I hope to continue learning from some of the best in the industry,” he said.
Drew Esocoff ’79 helped Jimmy DeCicco ’15 land a spot as a production assistant for NBC Sports.