Jonathan Weaver

Jonathan Weaver

Jonathan Weaver, Associate Director at ESPN

Jonathan’s Emmy’s…
2018 Sports Emmy Award for “Outstanding Sports News/Feature Anthology” for “E:60” Associate Director
2020 Sports Emmy Award for “Outstanding Studio Show-Daily” for “SportCenter” Associate Director
2020 Sports Emmy Award for “Outstanding Technical Team Studio” for “College GameDay” Associate Director

Jonathan Weaver grew up in Texarkana and is a 2007 graduate of Pleasant Grove High School. He also regularly and graciously lends his talents to Texarkana Magazine as a sports writer.

Were you a Hawk, Leopard, Razorback or Tiger?

I was a Hawk. And I am sure this will come as a surprise to the new residents of Texarkana, but Pleasant Grove’s athletic success is fairly new. A few of my favorite rivalry memories would be the PG versus LE volleyball playoff game held in the Texas High gym. That atmosphere was ELECTRIC (and so I’ve heard, not unlike the atmosphere of the recent PG versus LE baseball game, ironically also at Texas High). Also, my friends and I might’ve been featured a time or two in the Texarkana Gazette’s “Cheers and Jeers” section for our signs at volleyball games.

What is your favorite Texarkana memory?

Both sets of my grandparents lived in Texarkana, so my favorite memory would have to be growing up close to them my entire life. It was always just a short drive to visit with them and to spend time with those I love.

Where was your favorite place to eat in Texarkana?

There are quite a few great places to eat in Texarkana, but I have to go with the classic—TLC downtown. I was saddened to see the fire that damaged the building recently, and I hope they can rebuild because they are a staple of Texarkana. I couldn’t wait until I was able to slide my PG ID card on the wall, like so many other past Texarkana residents.

Where was your favorite place to shop in Texarkana?

Growing up as a kid, it was the old card shop in Wake Village. My dad used to take me to get my haircut at a barber in that shopping center, and once we were done, I would browse the collection of baseball cards for sale. Lord knows I spent way too much of my allowance there.

What was the teen hangout when you lived here?

The teen hangout, besides the obvious friends’ houses, was the Target parking lot. I don’t know how many nights we spent parked in the parking lot, trying to decide what we were going to do that night.

What do you love about Texarkana?

I love that the city is a constant. Texarkana doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. It is a small town with a lot of quirks, but some of the best people imaginable.

How do you describe Texarkana to your friends?

I describe Texarkana as the biggest small town in America. Everyone seems to know everyone, and you’ll never meet a stranger.

What do you miss about Texarkana?

I miss my friends and family. I miss good BBQ from Big Jake’s. I miss playing high school sports for Pleasant Grove. I miss driving The Shuffle.

Who is someone from Texarkana who impacted your life?

Other than my parents and family, someone from Texarkana who impacted my life would be Charla Harris, journalism teacher at Pleasant Grove High School. I cannot put into words how much she impacted my passion for live television and for giving me endless opportunities to explore and grow my skills to get to where I am today. She is everything you want in a teacher and as a lifelong friend.

What would you change about Texarkana?

I wish there were more opportunities in Texarkana in a vast array of job fields. I wish the best and brightest could go off to college and then return to Texarkana for work, and not have to move to Dallas or Austin or Northwest Arkansas.

What do you think makes Texarkana famous?

Is it too obvious if I say, “East Bound and Down,” Stateline, and The Town That Dreaded Sundown? One director I work with frequently asks me about the Phantom Killer all the time.

What is your nickname for Texarkana?

The nicknames I use are: TXK, TK or T-Town.

TXK Roots is Texarkana Magazine’s forum to highlight and honor Texarkana natives who have accomplished big things in the world. These folks may have relocated, but they took the values, education, work ethic and creativity instilled in them by growing up in this unique border city and used these qualities to blaze extraordinary trails. We asked them to share their thoughts about growing up here. No matter how far from Texarkana they may find themselves, we will always consider them our neighbors and we are proud to claim them as forever members of our extended Texarkana community. After all, “everyone is famous in their hometown!”