RantSports Team
Sean Miller
Editor-in-Chief, Multi-media Journalist
Sean Miller is a highly experienced sports journalist who has been covering major sports events since 2013. With a focus on European football, Sean has reported extensively on the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and other top European leagues. His deep knowledge of the sport has made him a trusted voice in football journalism.
Sean’s expertise extends beyond football. From 2013 to 2024, he wrote for NJ.com, covering a diverse range of sports, including the Trenton Thunder, NFL, MLB, college, and high school athletics. His multifaceted background also includes his role as Head of Social Media for Rochester New York FC in the MLS Next Pro league, where he contributed to the team’s media strategy. Additionally, Sean was a familiar voice on ESPN New York 98.7 FM, where he served as a show host for several years, showcasing his versatility as a sports commentator.
In the sports betting arena, Sean worked as the Head Writer for prominent sites such as American Gambler and How to Bet, further demonstrating his comprehensive knowledge of the industry. He is also an active podcaster, hosting multiple shows, including Box to Box Football, How to Bet, and Capital Sports Network. Sean is also a regular guest on the Washington DC-based television show By the Book Bets, which airs on NBC Sports Washington and Monumental Sports Network.
Now poised to lead coverage of soccer and other sports as the Editor in Chief of Rant Sports, Sean continues to bring his passion for sports to a wide audience through his journalism, broadcasting, and podcasting work.
Follow Sean on X @TheProdigalSean and @RantSportsSean
Mark Eckel
Multi-media Journalist
Mark Eckel is a multiple award-winning writer/reporter, who covered the National Football League, specifically the Philadelphia Eagles for 32 years. He has been a correspondent for Sports Illustrated and The Sporting News, while covering the Eagles for The Trenton Times and then NJ.com.
During his tenure in Philadelphia, Mark was also a sports host on 94 WIP and was a regular guest with Angelo Cataldi and The Morning Show. He also appeared on both the Fox 29 and NBC 10 pre- and post- game television shows. Besides covering 11 Super Bowls, he also covered two World Series, two Stanley Cup Finals and one NBA Final.
Mark is the author of four books: “It’s Gooooood!’’ (Merrill Reese’s autobiography); Game Changers (the 50 Greatest Plays in Eagles History); Eagles Playbook; and The Big 50 (Men and Moments that made the Philadelphia Eagles). Retired after the 2016 NFL season, Mark is now a freelance writer living in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with his wife Tammy.
You can follow Mark on X @MarkEckel08
AJ Gray
Multi-media Journalist
AJ Gray is a dedicated young sports media professional currently attending The Pennington School. At just 16 years old, AJ already brings experience in both broadcasting and social media management to his school’s football program, where he calls live game broadcasts and oversees the team’s social media presence.
With a deep passion for sports media, AJ plans to continue honing his broadcasting skills and expanding his expertise in sports communications through college and beyond. As he pursues his career ambitions, AJ remains committed to growing in the field, combining his enthusiasm for sports with a keen interest in media.
Ben Mattinson
Multi-media Journalist
With a huge following on social media thanks to his epic comps, Ben Mattinson is a huge addition to the Rant Sports team. Mattinson wears many hats in the football/soccer world–Sports Journalist, Data Analyst,Writer of Player Analysis Articles, Student MSc Data Analytics in Football, Football Player Recruitment Enthusiast–and will team up with Miller to form an elite duo covering the world of European football.
Follow Ben on X at @Ben_Mattinson_
Lou Monaco
Multi-media Journalist
“Sweet” Lou Monaco had served as a Stateside Journalist/Betting Analyst for Gambling.com for the past 3 ½ years, writing for 30+ state sites featuring EmpireStakes.com (NY), PennStakes.com (PA), BetMassachusetts.com (MA) and USBettingReport.com (National).
Currently, the Notre Dame football and Seton Hall men’s basketball fan, is the night desk manager/ boy’s golf coordinator/writer for NJ Advance Media (NJ.com) high school sports department in Iselin (NJ). Lou has over 30+ years of sports experience with previous stints at ESPN SportsTicker, Daily Racing Form and Oddschecker.
Follow Lou on X @LouMonaco
Mike Ortiz
Multi-media Journalist
With 15-plus years in the betting industry, Mike will provide you with insight and analysis that you will not get anywhere else. His catchy #TrustOrtiz is more than just a hashtag trend for him, it’s his way of giving his stamp of approval to his following.
Ortiz has many contacts within the basketball, football, and hockey worlds, and brings valuable insight to the Rant Sports team.
Follow Mike on X @TrustOrtiz
Jim Williams
Multi-media Journalist
With an impressive 45-year career in the media business, Jim Williams is the CEO and Founder of LJC, LLC, a renowned media consulting firm. He has produced or directed over 3,000 live events across a diverse range of sports, including Major League Baseball, NBA basketball, NFL football, NHL hockey, boxing, tennis, golf, and college sports.
Jim’s extensive client roster features major networks such as ESPN/ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, Turner Sports, Big Ten Networks, WGN Sports, PPV, and SMI Media. Additionally, he has directed more than 100 live concerts for PPV and Showtime and has played a key role in the management teams of five regional sports networks.
In the print and digital realm, Jim was a featured sports columnist for the Washington, DC, and San Francisco Examiner newspapers for eight years and contributed a weekly sports media column to Sports Business Journal. He has also written for Forbes, Newsweek, Rolling Stone, and Playboy, showcasing his versatility as a writer.
Jim’s work has garnered significant recognition, including seven Emmy Awards and 29 nominations. He served as the inaugural president of the Online Sports Editors group, advocating for press credentials for online writers from major publications like USA Today and The Washington Post. His efforts to advance journalists’ rights earned him the National Press Club’s Victory Award.
In recent years, Jim has focused on the evolution of media by collaborating with networks, local television stations, colleges, and businesses to launch OTT streaming channels. This initiative has embraced the shift from traditional media to accessible streaming content, allowing audiences to enjoy events on both mobile and big screens.
On a personal note, Jim has spent most of his adult life in a wheelchair due to an accident at 24. This has not hindered his passion for media and sports; he has traveled the world to cover events. Married to Susan Miller for 36 years, Jim cherishes his role as an uncle to six nieces. His resilience and dedication continue to inspire those in the media industry and beyond.
Follow Jim on X @JWMediaDC