John Clayton is an American journalist best known for playing Host in Four Downs.
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Best Known For:The radio program Four Downs
Breakthrough:Became a household name as a leading NFL reporter and insider for ESPN in 1995
10 Quick Facts About John Clayton
- Full Name: John Clayton
- Nationality: American
- Profession: Journalist and sportscaster
- Known For: The radio program Four Downs
- Date of Birth: May 11, 1954
- Age: 72 years old
- Place of Birth: Braddock, Pennsylvania
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse / Partner: Pat Clayton
- Popular As: The Professor
John Clayton Age
John Clayton is about 72 years old as of 2026. John Clayton was born in 1954.
Education
He attended Duquesne University.
- Duquesne University
- Period: 1976
Career & Work
John Clayton's career includes news and reporting roles with ESPN and The News Tribune, a news outlet.
Organization: ESPN
Role: NFL Insider / Reporter
Period: 1995–2017
Details: United States
Organization: The News Tribune
Role: Reporter
Period: 1986–1995
Details: Tacoma, Washington
Organization: The Pittsburgh Press
Role: Reporter
Period: 1976–1986
Details: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Rise to Fame
John Clayton rose to prominence for his role on the radio program Four Downs.
Notable Works
- Radio Program: Four Downs (Host, 1995-2017) — NFL debate segment and radio show on ESPN
Notable Coverage
- Shouldergate - The Pittsburgh Press - 1978 - Reported on a Steelers rule violation involving shoulder pads at minicamp
Awards & Achievements
- Bill Nunn Award (Dick McCann Memorial Award) — Pro Football Writers of America — Long-time coverage of professional football
John Clayton Family & Relationships
John Clayton is married to Pat Clayton.
Lesser Known Facts
- John Clayton became a pop culture icon through a 'This is SportsCenter' commercial where he revealed a hidden heavy metal lifestyle.
Personal Information
- Full Name: John Clayton
- Popular As: The Professor
- Gender: Male
- Occupation: Journalist and sportscaster
- Nationality: American
- Living Status: Deceased
- Ethnicity: White
Birth & Background
- Date of Birth: May 11, 1954
- Age: 72
- Birthday: May 11
- Zodiac Sign: Taurus
- Place of Birth: Braddock, Pennsylvania
Family & Relationships
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse / Partner: Pat Clayton
Net Worth & Income
- Salary: $45K - $188K (Est)
- Net Worth: $375K - $3.8M (Est)
- Source of Income: Employment
Related Biographies
- Pat Clayton (Spouse)
- Sean Salisbury (Colleague • Co-host on Four Downs)
