Tom Leyden

A part of the WXYZ sports team since 2004, Tom Leyden was named Sports Director in June, 2012.  He anchors sports for Action News and hosts the Ford Lions Report Live.

“I love working here,” says Tom. “The people of Michigan have been great to me. The sports news cycle never slows down and the passion of the fans is unreal. Sports brings this community together.”

Tom always tries to appeal to a broad audience, not just the hard-core sports junkie.

"I can talk x's and o's with the best of them, but I really enjoy speaking to people who may not know a lot about sports and trying to make the story mean something to them, too. Emotion should always guide you."

In 2013, the Michigan Association of Broadcasters honored Tom (along with Brad Galli and Dave Kalman) with the Best Sportscast award for WXYZ's coverage of the Tigers 2012 American League Championship Series win.

Tom has received 21 Emmy nominations from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and has won nine Emmys.

In 2012, he was named Best Sports Anchor in Michigan.  It was his third Best Sports Anchor award - he was also honored in 2009 and 2011. 

Tom has also been honored as Best Sports Reporter in Michigan in 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2012.

The Associated Press recognized Tom in 2010 and 2011 with its Best Sportscast award.

For his work with the Taste of the NFL charity event in 2006, Tom received the "Lou Groza Let’s Kick Hunger Award." This honor is bestowed annually to the person in the Super Bowl site city who does the most to support and advance the cause of the Taste of the NFL organization.

A native of Westport, CT and graduate of Boston College, Tom moved to Detroit after spending four years at WFMZ-TV in Allentown, PA.

Before working at WFMZ, Tom spent four years at the National Football League and two years at the National Hockey League in New York.

Tom's always drawn to good music and likes to entertain a party by pounding out a few tunes on the piano. Sting's "Why Should I Cry For You?" is the newest addition to the repertoire.

Tom lives in Oakland County with his wife, Nicole, and their two daughters, Dahlia and Olivia. You can contact Tom by sending an e-mail to tleyden@wxyz.com .

Are you on Twitter? Follow Tom @TomLeyden