Former FOX 26 Houston KRIV sports director Will Kunkel has announced his next career move, signing a freelance contract as a fill-in host for ESPN Radio while continuing his search for a full-time opportunity.
“I have finally signed a freelance contract,” Kunkel announced on social media. “I am going back to ESPN for fill-in work on ESPN Radio.”
Now, Kunkel says he is returning to where his media career began.
While emphasizing that the position is not full-time, Kunkel described it as an opportunity he is eager to begin later this month.
“It’s not a full-time job, but like an amazing opportunity that I can’t wait to start at the end of the month,” he said.
The move marks a return to familiar territory for Kunkel, who began his career behind the scenes at ESPN as a production assistant working on "Mike and Mike in the Morning" before transitioning to an on-camera role that has now spanned more than 15 years.
Kunkel revealed the news in a video posted on X, opening up about the challenges he has faced since his FOX 26 KRIV position was eliminated in June 2025 as part of the station's budget cuts.
“It’s been very frustrating. It’s been confusing at times,” Kunkel said. “I had no idea that a video like this was going to be something I would ever do. I never thought it would take so long either.”
Kunkel said the past year has been difficult professionally, especially because of how much he enjoys being on air and working in television. At the same time, his family experienced a major personal milestone.
“It’s been a very tough year because I love working,” Kunkel said. “I also love being a father. And I became a father during that time. My daughter is now ten months old.”
He credited his wife for carrying the family during the transition.
“She is a nurse at Texas Children’s Hospital," Kunkel said. "Being the hero that she is to other people and to our family.”
Kunkel joined FOX 26 Houston in September 2023 following the retirement of longtime sports director Mark Berman. During his tenure, he led the station’s sports coverage and anchored evening newscasts alongside Anthony Antoine, Caroline Collins and Rashi Vats.
He also launched the station’s video podcast, "Kickin’ it with Kunkel," and continued building his presence outside traditional broadcasting through his own podcast.
Before arriving in Houston, Kunkel served as sports director at FOX 46 Charlotte WJZY in North Carolina. His previous stops included KWCH 12 in Wichita, Kansas; NBC 24 WNWO in Toledo, Ohio; and KVRR in Fargo, North Dakota.
Kunkel earned a Master of Science in Journalism and Broadcasting from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from St. Lawrence University.
Throughout his announcement, Kunkel said faith played a central role in helping his family navigate the uncertainty of the past year.
“And so many people know that I have such a strong faith, and my wife's and I faith during this time has actually grown that much stronger,” Kunkel said. “We have gotten into the word even more, and we know that the Lord is going to open the right door at the right time, at the right place.”
He closed by thanking supporters who followed his work and encouraged him throughout the process.
‼️I finally have a LIFE UPDATE for you after I was laid off more than a year ago.
— Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelV) July 1, 2026
It’s been a very tough year without full time work.
WATCH HERE
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