Chris Berman critics, you’re not going to like this. “Boomer” is going to be around ESPN for a long, long, long time. Did I say long?
The network announced a new contract extension today for Berman on the network’s 33rd anniversary. He joined ESPN in Oct., 1979
The release includes this line:
Berman’s extension will officially begin in 2013. At the conclusion of his new deal, Berman will have worked for ESPN for nearly 40 years.
I’m guessing it is at least a six-year deal. Regardless, it shows Berman is locked in at ESPN through nearly the end of the decade.
Here are the obligatory “everybody’s happy” quotes. Everybody but his critics, that is:
ESPN President John Skipper said: “On the day we commemorate our company’s birthday, it’s fitting we extend our relationship with Chris, arguably the most recognizable face and voice in ESPN’s history. Since arriving in Bristol in 1979, Chris’ passion and enthusiasm, and, of course his signature highlights, have long been his trademarks, earning him a special place among fans for more than three decades.”
“For more than three decades, Chris has developed a special relationship with our fans, especially fans of the NFL. He is synonymous with our coverage of the league and other major events, and we’re thrilled he will remain an integral part of ESPN in the years ahead,” added ESPN Executive Vice President, Production John Wildhack.
Said Berman: “I never could have dreamed that ESPN would be my home as a young man in his 20’s all the way to a not-so-young man in his 60’s. It’s always been a privilege to work alongside thousands of colleagues who love the sports we cover and the people who make them so special. It remains an honor to be welcomed into the homes of sports fans far and wide, and I’m thrilled to be able to continue such a marvelous journey.”
To celebrate, Berman will be on play-by-play for Monday’s Oakland-San Diego game on ESPN. Somehow, I think it won’t be his last NFL game on the call.
I worked with him. He could not have been better to me.
I understand how many could be tired of his style. Same goes for Dick Vitale. But, they are who they are. They are NOT phonies.
In this day and age of homogenization of all things – and Disney leads that charge, I am glad there are at least a couple of guys who have the juice to just be themselves, and who genuinely love what they do and the subjects they cover.