Just like millions of children, an eye surgeon named Walter Stark took his daughter Melissa to the NFL stadiums. While he treated players’ injuries, she watched the game. But no one knew that the game and the reporter would become inseparable. That’s what exactly happened as she has now become one of the greatest faces in the sideline football talks. The NBC reporter made everyone emotional while reminiscing about those good old days with her dad.

Last year, on February 29, Walter passed away in Sarasota, Florida. So, she mourned his passing after a year and shared two IG stories. The first one had the father-daughter’s photo, with the caption, “Hard to believe it’s been a year without you, Dad!” and a ❤️. It’s a loss so painful to put into words.

However, she added some more beautiful memories by adding a family photo with her children in them. The caption read, “You left such a great legacy… We had so many fun adventures. & we all feel your love and hear your words of wisdom every day 🙏🏻❤️” That’s beautiful and heart-wrenching at the same time. Her father left a great legacy. Melissa Stark owes her success to her father, who gave her the confidence to shine in the media world.

Walter Stark (1942-2024) was a commanding force. In 42 years of his career as an ophthalmologist, he treated countless patients and trained many generations of junior doctors. He also headed the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. The American Academy of Ophthalmology conferred the Life Achievement Award to him in 2015, the year he retired.

So, being the daughter of a hard-working man, Melissa Stark had that spark in her. She registered her name in history as the dawn of 2025 lurked over the horizon.

Melissa Stark enters 2025 with a remarkable achievement

The NBC reporter looked charming, dressed in a red top with a matching brown belt and trousers. She was on the sidelines as the Lions and the Vikings played their 2024 season-ender. With a smile on her face, she posed for photos and later shared them on Instagram with the caption, “On the sidelines for the 272nd & final game of the regular season.” It’s the 272nd game she covered in the NFL world. Insane!

After starting her career in 1996, Melissa Stark worked her way up the ladder. Not only that, there was this hesitation among the female reporters to work in the male-dominated league. But she opened the doors. Soon, other reporters like Erin Andrews and Charissa Thompson also became a regular sight on the sidelines.

The journey hasn’t been easy. Just like a dual-threat QB, she has juggled family responsibilities and her career well. Her father was always her guiding light. She has also remained physically fit to cope with rising work pressure as her popularity has spread. It’s inspiring for many girls who admire her.