SNACKING with JACK
Jack Armstrong
“I’m more of a fan of people who dress up and wear suits – you don’t see that as much anymore. I like it when I see a player show up to an arena looking sharp, wearing a suit and tie – that’s a good look.”
What are the go-to snacks you like to eat?
No Questions Red Licorice, Pretzels, and Pizza. If you ask my wife, those are definitely the three she’d say!
Do you brush your teeth when you wake up or after eating breakfast?
Both actually! Right when I wake up, and then I’ll go for a run, shower, eat breakfast, and then brush again!
Do you wet your toothbrush before or after you apply toothpaste?
First and then I put the toothpaste on.
Favorite Restaurant in Toronto?
The Keg, first and foremost. Sotto Sotto & Fieramosca (I love Italian food!), and Harbour 60 Steakhouse.
What does equality mean to you?
Opportunity for all. Everyone is entitled to a chance to fulfill their dreams and achieving. When you look at countries like Canada and the United States you have the freedom and the opportunity to pursue things. There are places in the world where the ideal of equality never fully gets recognized. Every day it should be our goal to strive for it, I think it’s a great thing for people of all ages, races, and backgrounds to have the opportunities to fulfill their dreams and goals.
When It’s all said and done, The title to your autobiography is called_____?
People would probably say a good title would be ‘Get That Garbage Out of Here’ or ‘HELLLLO’ – I don’t know if that will tell the story. Another good option could be ‘Why Would You Be So Nutty to Buy This Book?’.
What songs have you completely memorized?
I love to sing. I love music. My Way by Frank Sinatra (The Chairman, the one and only Frank Sinatra) & White Christmas (Bing Crosby). Honestly, I probably have 50 songs memorized in my head. I love hanging out, singing, and having a good time!
What’s the last item you purchased with cash?
I was at the Bills vs. Dolphins game on Sunday, so I bought a beer for my buddy and me. I’m a big believer is cash is king!
What point in your career was a guiding light to where you are now?
While I was an assistant coach at Fordham University in NYC, I was interviewing for other jobs to hopefully pay for my Masters degree. My boss, Tom Penders, decided that he didn’t want to lose me and used the remaining basketball scholarship intended for a player, to help me stay on as an assistant coach and get my master’s degree. That was a defining moment in my life and obviously my career. He really believed in me and showed confidence with me having a future in this. I had a 14-year career as a Division One coach, and starting tonight I will be starting my 22nd year as a broadcaster in the NBA. I ended up getting my Masters in Communications and here I am doing that in my second career!
According to you, who is the best-dressed person in basketball?
I’m more of a fan of people who dress up and wear suits – you don’t see that as much anymore. I like it when I see a player show up to an arena looking sharp, wearing a suit and tie – that’s a good look. I don’t see a lot of guys doing that anymore. Someone like Serge takes pride in that. When I started in the NBA 22 years ago and I think back to Kevin Willis, Charles Oakley, Vince Carter, or Tracy McGrady – they would dress up for their flights and hotel entrances, representing the NBA and themselves. Now, that’s not the style anymore. I’m still a believer if you’re a professional athlete – LOOK IT!
What skill are you determined to master?
I would love to learn how to play an instrument. I’ve never done it but I’ve dreamed about it but I have to take time and do it. I’m fascinated with people who can play the guitar. I love music. I would love to master golf or tennis, but after all these years I can’t seem to quite get there.
You’re always trying to strive and improve as a broadcaster. It’s a never-ending battle!
What three films best describe your life?
I would just pick one, I think it defines how I feel. There’s that ‘A Christmas Movie’ “It’s a Wonderful Life’. I feel very blessed and very fortunate. I have a great family, have met some amazing people in my life, and travelled the world. So, I pinch myself and I’m sure I’m going to pinch myself tomorrow night. I’m the son of Irish immigrants and I’m living the dream. I have 3 older brothers and we’ve all had the opportunity to achieve things in our lives. It’s been a wonderful run!
The most influential brand right now is?
I don’t buy anything. My wife does the shopping and I go to the supermarket but I’m not a guy who goes to the mall. I wouldn’t consider myself that much of a consumer. I don’t do online shopping or anything.
Do you believe there is a way to turn your passions in to work, and if so, how?
To me what helped me is that I love what I do. I’ve always loved basketball and I think when you have the passion and enthusiasm, you’ll get up every day and you’ll put your best foot forward. For me, I’m in a job that I don’t consider a job, I consider it a career – it’s a lifestyle, it’s a passion, and I love it. It’s dear to my heart and a fun thing to do.
Where is your happy place?
Obviously with my family and friends. My happy place is when I’m out on a run listening to good music. I run 6, sometimes 7 days a week. This week I’ll be staying in Toronto, so I’ll run along the lake. In Boston, I’ll run in the Boston Commons and the Charles River, and Chicago I’ll run along Lake Michigan on the beach. I run before every game and I’m able to prepare mentally for it. It puts me in a good mindset!
What Albums are the soundtrack to your life?
Abbey Road – The Beatles and Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen
What three words would you use to describe your past three months of your life?
Fun
Joyous
Gratitude
What’s your favourite book or author?
A book that I read recently – Andre Agassi’s ‘Open: An Autograph’ book. It’s probably the best sportsbook written by an athlete written in a long time. I was really impressed with his honesty and candor.
Name something you couldn’t go a day without and Why?
My mother, she’s my hero. She’s 92 years old and lives in New York and I call her every day. I always finish the conversation with the same 3 words, I love you. My dad passed away when I was 7, she raised 4 boys in Brooklyn New York in not the most ideal situation. My brothers and I are so fortunate to have such an incredible role model in our lives. There’s never a day that goes by that I don’t call my mother. And there’s never a day goes by that I don’t tell my wife and three sons that I love them.
Dogs or Cats?
We don’t have a dog right now, but we always had golden retrievers. I love Golden Retrievers. I hope someday to be able to have a golden retriever again.
What things in life are still a mystery to you?
What’s the afterlife? What comes after this? I consider myself to be a pretty spiritual person and I have faith. It’s still mysterious to me but while I’m here I’m going to live a good life and treat people well.
Who is your role model and why?
There’s no question. My mom. She’s had an amazing influence on me. I do a lot of public speaking and I always mention my mother. In terms of valuing people in our lives and people who impact our lives, she’s had an amazing influence on me in my life. I’m a big believer that you stay in touch with your parents. Make them proud, keep them a part of your life and value that relationship. That relationship evolves over time.