Break Barriers and Blaze Trails
Embracing Your Authentic, Professional, Beautiful Self
MJ Acosta-Ruiz is a Gifted Moderator for Your Next Event
Emmy Award-winning journalist and trailblazing sportscaster MJ ACOSTA RUIZ is a gifted moderator, asking thoughtful questions and cultivating powerful conversations on today’s biggest issues. With more than a decade of experience in journalism and entertainment, Acosta-Ruiz is the perfect choice to make your next event or panel a memorable one.
Commencement & Fundraisers
Emmy Award-winning journalist and trailblazing sportscaster MJ ACOSTA-RUIZ shares touching remarks for large audiences. Comfortable presenting to groups of any size, Acosta-Ruiz delivers unforgettable moments that will inspire audiences for a lifetime.
MJ Acosta-Ruiz gives Barry University’s commencement speech
Emmy Award-winning NFL journalist MJ ACOSTA-RUIZ was invited to Barry University’s graduation ceremony to receive an honorary doctoral degree and give a commencement speech. Reflecting on her unconventional and highly successful career, Acosta-Ruiz shared a meaningful message with humorous delivery. Acosta-Ruiz said, “It’s never too late for a second, third, or even fourth act. That is the power of education; a power that you all have harnessed.”
Watch MJ Acosta-Ruiz speak at the Paley Center >>
Watch MJ Acosta-Ruiz in conversation with Jennifer Lopez (Spanish) >>
Emmy-winner MJ Acosta Ruiz is breaking barriers as a moderator and speaker
As the first and only Afro-Latina to host and report for the NFL Network, Emmy Award-Winning MJ ACOSTA RUIZ is breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. Best known for hosting NFL Total Access and NBC’s On Her Turf podcast, MJ shares her insights on achieving you goals, and overcoming obstacles all while amplifying the voices of marginalized communities to create a more fair and just world. Not only does Acosta Ruiz deliver inspiring talks and keynotes about becoming a trailblazer in her industry and embracing your authentic self, but she also puts her years of experience as a journalist to use skilled moderator who generates powerful conversations and thought-provoking discussions.
MJ is the co-host of NFL Network's El Huddle podcast - which is designed specifically for the LatinX fanbase and celebrates Latino influence in the NFL. Acosta-Ruiz is a highly in-demand speaker and moderator who inspires audiences of all kinds to not be afraid of crossing boundaries and to always be true to who you are no matter the circumstance.
MJ Acosta-Ruiz is a TV Host and Sportscaster. Acosta-Ruiz is an anchor on SportsCenter, ESPN’s flagship show. Fully bilingual in English and Spanish she is also the Monday Night Football sideline reporter for ESPN Deportes. The Emmy Award-winning journalist became the first ever woman of color to host a show at the NFL Network when she was named the host of NFL Total Access in 2020.
Acosta-Ruiz joined NFL Network in 2018 from NBC and Telemundo in San Diego where she covered the Chargers, Padres and international soccer for three seasons in both English & Spanish language broadcasts as the lead sports anchor. Prior to joining NBC and Telemundo, Acosta-Ruiz spent three years as a reporter for WPLG, the ABC affiliate in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, covering sports, entertainment and breaking news.
A former Miami Dolphins cheerleader, Acosta-Ruiz graduated from Barry University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. In 2024 she was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Human Letters Degree from her alma mater.
With nearly 15 years of experience in the industry, MJ continues her work as an advocate for representation and equality. MJ works closely with women’s empowerment groups such as A Seat at the Table, and is on the Board of Health in the Hood, a non-profit helping to close the gap of food inequity/insecurity in South Florida. She is dedicated to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.
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