Picture a Liverpool lad, dreaming of America’s neon glow, who became a soccer commentary superstar—meet Roger Bennett! As one-half of the Men in Blazers duo, Roger brings wit, heart, and a transatlantic charm to soccer fandom. His memoir, Reborn in the USA, captures his journey from an outsider in 1980s England to a beloved voice in American sports culture, blending humor with a love letter to his adopted home.
Born in a gritty, football-mad city, Roger’s story is one of reinvention. His passion for American pop culture—think NFL games, John Hughes films, and Run-DMC—fueled his dream to cross the pond. Today, he’s not just a commentator but a cultural bridge, making soccer accessible and fun for millions.
The Making of Roger Bennett
Roger James Bennett, born September 14, 1970, grew up in Liverpool during a tough era of economic decline and hooliganism. A middle-class Jewish kid in a working-class, Catholic city, he felt like an outsider at his private school, where caning was still a thing. American culture became his escape, from The Love Boat to the Chicago Bears. A summer in Chicago, invited by an American friend, was a turning point, sparking his lifelong love for the U.S. After university, Roger moved to America, juggling jobs as a baker, librarian, and waiter to chase his dreams.
His big break came in 2006 when he met Michael Davies, a fellow Brit and soccer fan, at a wedding. Their shared passion led to the Men in Blazers podcast, launched in 2011 on ESPN’s Grantland. It was a hit, blending British wit with American enthusiasm, and soon expanded into a TV show on NBCSN.
Roger Bennett’s Unforgettable Stories
Roger’s work spans broadcasting, podcasting, and writing, all infused with humor and cultural insight. His memoir, Reborn in the USA: An Englishman’s Love Letter to His Chosen Home (2021), is a New York Times bestseller that traces his obsession with America. It’s a hilarious yet poignant coming-of-age tale, drenched in 1980s pop culture, from Thatcher’s England to MTV’s heyday. Critics like John Green praised its storytelling, calling it a reminder that dreams can reshape lives.
With Men in Blazers, Roger co-authored Men in Blazers Present Encyclopedia Blazertannica (2018), a quirky guide to soccer’s history and culture. He also penned Bar Mitzvah Disco with his brother-in-law Nick Kroll, a nostalgic look at 1980s celebrations, and Everything You Know Is Pong, a playful dive into table tennis. His podcasts, like American Fiasco (2018) about U.S. soccer’s 1998 World Cup dreams, showcase his knack for blending sports with storytelling.
Roger’s style is zany yet earnest, mixing self-deprecation with a fan’s passion. Whether interviewing stars like Pep Guardiola or joking about soccer’s quirks, he makes the sport feel like a shared adventure. His work transcends soccer, capturing the universal urge to find where you belong.
Why Roger Bennett Matters
Roger Bennett’s impact lies in his ability to unite British and American soccer fans, turning a niche sport into a cultural phenomenon in the U.S. Men in Blazers has grown soccer’s stateside fandom, especially for the Premier League, by making it fun and relatable. His memoir resonates with immigrants and dreamers, showing how reinvention can bridge cultures. Roger’s live tours with Michael Davies, featuring guests like Julie Ertz, bring fans together, fostering a sense of community.
His storytelling—whether on air, in print, or via podcast—offers a fresh lens on identity and belonging. In a divided world, Roger’s optimism and humor are a beacon, proving sports and stories can connect us all.
- Born: September 14, 1970, Liverpool, England
- Key Works: Reborn in the USA, Encyclopedia Blazertannica, American Fiasco
- Notable: Co-founder of Men in Blazers Media Network
Snag Reborn in the USA and dive into Roger Bennett’s hilarious, heartfelt world of soccer and self-discovery!