ESPN's status as the "Worldwide Leader in Sports" came after years of hard work and perseverance. The network began in a small Connecticut town, and has grown into a global empire with a presence on nearly every corner of the Earth.
ESPN is synonymous with sports, and Chris Berman is synonymous with ESPN. The legendary sportscaster has been with the network since its inaugural year in 1979, appearing as a familiar face to several generations of viewers.
From his weekly look into the NFL to the iconic calls at the Home Run Derby, few names have been attached to sports media history like Berman's has to ESPN.
On Monday, ESPN announced that Berman would be back with the network on a new contract, signing a deal to become the first ESPN employee to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
Legendary ESPN anchor Chris Berman, who joined the network just after its September 7, 1979, launch, has extended his contract. In 2029, he will become ESPN’s first employee to celebrate his 50th anniversary with the network.pic.twitter.com/xBq8D0ynsg
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 12, 2025
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter shared a video with several photos of Berman throughout the years, celebrating his upcoming anniversary with the network.
"Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined turning 70 and still being here at our network, which long ago became an icon of sports broadcasting," Berman said in a statement released through ESPN.
"We're closing in on our very first Super Bowl, and now I will be able to be part of that, too."
Berman's extension will carry through 2029, and ESPN will broadcast the Super Bowl for the first time on February 14, 2027. It will mark the 45th Super Bowl Berman has worked in some capacity for ESPN, including hosting three pregame shows for ABC's coverage in the early to mid-2000s.
"For a remarkable half-century, Chris has embodied ESPN with his smart and entertaining style," said ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro.
"ESPN has been so fortunate to have Chris making us better for decades and I am delighted that will continue beyond our 50th anniversary. And no studio broadcaster has meant more to NFL coverage than Chris and to have his presence on our first Super Bowl presentation is both apropos and significant."
The 70-year-old Berman has hosted "NFL Primetime" on ESPN for decades, and he's also been the on-site host for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's annual enshrinement ceremony since 1979.
Fans can also see Berman in the upcoming "Happy Gilmore 2," which will be released on Netflix during the summer.
from Men's Journal https://ift.tt/rES9bQi
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