Chris Berman Extends ESPN Tenure, Set to Become Network’s First 50-Year Employee

Chris Berman, the venerable and iconic sportscaster, has inked a multiyear contract extension with ESPN that will secure his presence at the network through 2029. This landmark agreement will solidify Berman’s legacy as ESPN’s first employee to reach the remarkable milestone of 50 years of service.

The new contract ensures that Berman, currently 70 years old, will continue to play a significant role in ESPN’s programming, including the network’s inaugural Super Bowl broadcast in 2027. He will also continue his hosting duties for the signature "NFL PrimeTime" program on ESPN+, a role he has masterfully filled for decades.

"I came to ESPN at 24 years young for my first full-time TV job," Berman stated in a press release issued by the network. "I had a full head of hair, was wet behind the ears, and my assignment was to host the wrap-up SportsCenter at 2:30 a.m. ESPN had been on the air for less than a month and we had fewer than 100 employees."

Berman reflected on the improbable journey, saying, "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. We’re closing in on our very first Super Bowl, and now I will be able to be part of that, too."

Berman’s career at ESPN began shortly after the network’s launch on September 7, 1979. Hired at the age of 24, he quickly became a recognizable face and voice, synonymous with the network’s burgeoning success. His energetic delivery, encyclopedic knowledge of sports, and, most notably, his penchant for creating memorable nicknames for athletes, endeared him to audiences nationwide.

It was "NFL PrimeTime," however, that truly cemented Berman’s status as a broadcasting legend. The Sunday night highlight show, which he anchored alongside Tom Jackson, became a must-watch for football fans. From 1987 to 2005, "NFL PrimeTime" dominated Sunday nights on ESPN, delivering comprehensive highlights, insightful analysis, and Berman’s signature blend of enthusiasm and humor. The show’s popularity was such that it became a cultural phenomenon, influencing the way football highlights were presented and analyzed for years to come. Since 2006, "NFL PrimeTime" has continued on ESPN+, extending its reach to a new generation of viewers.

Beyond "NFL PrimeTime," Berman’s contributions to ESPN have been vast and varied. He has covered an astounding 43 Super Bowls, providing commentary, analysis, and pre- and post-game coverage. His expertise extends to baseball as well, having covered 30 World Series and 31 MLB All-Star Games.

Berman’s impact on sports broadcasting has been widely recognized. He is a six-time National Sportscaster of the Year, a testament to his talent, dedication, and enduring appeal. His longevity at ESPN is a rare feat in the ever-changing media landscape, a testament to his ability to adapt, innovate, and connect with audiences across generations.

The contract extension signifies ESPN’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating its long-standing talent. It also signals the network’s continued confidence in Berman’s ability to engage viewers and contribute to its programming, particularly as it prepares for its first Super Bowl broadcast.

Berman’s journey from a 24-year-old hosting a late-night SportsCenter to becoming a broadcasting icon is a testament to his hard work, passion, and undeniable talent. His unique style and genuine love for sports have made him a beloved figure among fans and colleagues alike. As he embarks on this new chapter, he will undoubtedly continue to leave an indelible mark on ESPN and the world of sports broadcasting. His contributions have been many and have spanned across generations of sports fans. His name is synonymous with ESPN.

The future holds many possibilities for Berman and ESPN, including but not limited to, further expansion into digital spaces.

The upcoming Super Bowl is sure to be one of the highlights of Berman’s storied career. As he prepares for this historic broadcast, he will undoubtedly draw upon his decades of experience, his encyclopedic knowledge of football, and his unparalleled ability to connect with viewers. It is a celebration of a man who has helped to create and mold a broadcasting icon.

Chris Berman’s career is a remarkable story of longevity, dedication, and unwavering passion. His new contract extension ensures that his voice and presence will continue to be a fixture at ESPN for years to come, solidifying his place as one of the most influential and beloved figures in sports broadcasting history.

It is difficult to imagine ESPN without the presence of Chris Berman.