As the calendar turns to October 2024, ESPN took a brief timeout from its sports coverage to honor the 45th anniversary of Chris Berman’s first day at the network.
The man affectionately known as “Boomer” was one of the first employees at the network, joining ESPN just 22 days after the first all sports cable network launched in September 1979, transforming the sports world forever.
SportsCenter and Get Up paid tribute to Berman during their shows’ transition on Tuesday morning, with Mike Greenberg paying tribute to the impact of the Swami on the network.
Today marks Chris Berman’s 45th anniversary at @espn!
This morning, @SportsCenter and @GetUpESPN take a moment to honor the legend and celebrate his incredible impact on sports fans and colleagues alike. pic.twitter.com/dXrgHW4P6d
— Bea Panitz (@beapanitzESPN) October 1, 2024
“He does the fastest two minutes, it would take about two days at minimum to describe what Chris Berman has meant to this place. Every single one of us who sit where we sit today and are lucky enough to do so do so because of the people who started this place, and none moreso than Boomer who has been nothing but welcoming to all of us from the day that each of us got here,” Greenberg said.
Berman reflected on the milestone by saying he’s the “last of the Mercury astronauts” in a quote released by ESPN PR. Berman’s career at ESPN spans most notably his coverage of the NFL – hosting Primetime, Sunday Morning Countdown, and the NFL Draft – but also stints calling the network’s Home Run Derby, MLB, and golf coverage as well as being a longtime SportsCenter anchor.
Happy 45th anniversary to Chris Berman who joined ESPN on Oct. 1, ’79
“Without really knowing or planning, I’m the last of the Mercury astronauts. I’m proud of it…I represent a ton of people who helped us get off the launching pad & stay up there.”
Catch Berman on ‘NFL… pic.twitter.com/FLIF9L1ds0
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) October 1, 2024
Berman is one of the last true ESPN lifers left at the network. Dick Vitale also started at ESPN back in 1979, calling his first game for the network on December 5th of that year. He remains at ESPN, although appearances have been sporadic as he has been bravely battling cancer in recent years. Another famous member of the Class of ’79, Bob Ley, retired after 40 years at ESPN in 2019.
Although Chris Berman’s main roles hosting the NFL have been filled by Scott Van Pelt and Mike Greenberg respectively on linear television, Berman is still active in his own right, hosting his beloved NFL Primetime each week on ESPN+ and reliving the glory days of one of the most influential highlight shows on television.
