This NFL analyst for ESPN outfoxed actors Ike Barinholtz and Steven Weber to win “Celebrity Jeopardy All-Stars.”
Kimes, a Yale graduate who is a daily presence on NFL Live and other programming for ESPN, earned a $1 million charity prize for the SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition in the Los Angeles area.
After a smart wagering strategy allowed Kimes to advance out of the semifinals despite getting the answer wrong in Final Jeopardy, she became a champion in a more conventional way.
Kimes held a $1,800 lead over Weber entering Final Jeopardy and answered the final clue correctly in the category of “Name’s the Same.”
Mina Kimes arrives at the Gold House 5th Annual Gold Gala at The Music Center on May 9, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images for Gold House Clue: It’s the name of an 1873 novel subtitled “A Tale of Today,” a period of U.S. history and a TV drama that debuted in 2022.
Perhaps part of Yale’s coursework for an English major.
Barinholtz, a former “Celebrity Jeopardy” champion, answered correctly to double his score but he couldn’t catch Kimes.
The two runners-up each earned $200,000 for their charities.
Kimes was emotional as she received her trophy from host Ken Jennings.
“Beyond grateful to the Jeopardy folks for letting me play, and for the amazing people at SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition,” she wrote. “They do essential, life-changing work here in Los Angeles.”
Next up, she will get to show off her spelling acumen as the host of the National Spelling Bee on ION.
The Spelling Bee aired on ESPN for years before Scripps moved it to ION.
Kimes also has appeared on “Celebrity Family Feud,” with her team winning $25,000 for charity.
In her day job, Kimes is highly respected for her astute football film breakdowns.
