He could… go… all… the… way… into retirement.
According to The Big Lead, sources have said that longtime ESPN host Chris Berman will be retiring from the network following the 2016 NFL season—where Boomer has mainly served as the host of both Sunday NFL Countdown and Monday Night Countdown.
The 61-year-old Berman, who was one of the first employees at the Worldwide Leader and has been with the network since its beginning in 1979, is in the final year of his contract, which seems to be the motive for his decision to leave—which serves as another major blow following the recent departures of Mike Tirico and Skip Bayless from ESPN.
ESPN declined to comment on the news, but TBL mentioned in its story that the network is set for “lavish plans for a send-off,” as well as preparing to find Berman’s predecessor on-air—with Trey Wingo and Suzy Kolber natural replacements.
One of the most recognizable figures in all of sports thanks to his catchphrases and infectious personality, Berman will be remembered for his weekly Swami routine, capability to control a team of analysts and, of course, one of the best meltdowns we’ve ever seen before.
Say what you will about Chris Berman, but watching sports won’t be the same without him.