Getty Image / Mitchell Layton
I think we have all, at numerous times in our lives, claimed we were done watching ESPN. Either because the network was too much of a powerhouse and we wanted to give someone else a try, or you just watched them have their fifth Jordan vs LeBron debate of the day. Regardless of what it was, we almost always came back to them. From my end, what kept me coming back was the personalities it had on shows that I practically grew up with every single morning, seven days a week. With nothing better to do, I decided to rank the network’s Top 5 personalities of all time.
5. Stephen A. Smith
Is he arrogant? Yes. Does he talk too much without listening to what others are saying? Absolutely. I will be the first to say that at times I can not stand this man, but let’s be honest, he is pure entertainment. No matter how much you may not be a fan of Stephen A. you can’t help but watch ‘First Take’ for at least 30 minutes of your day. The Skip and Stephen A. arguments were some of the best things in talk show history.
4. Jon Gruden
Now I may take some heat for this since he was only with ESPN for nine years, but was there a better time for football than when Jon Gruden was on MNF? An absolute electric factory in the booth, Gruden’s passion for the game was undeniable and he ended up being an absolute beauty of a play by play commentator. Gruden and Ron Jaworski in the booth were simply untouchable.
3. Tim Kurkjian
I have to give the nod to Kurkjian here because he is the most likable guy at ESPN, period. Has anybody ever actually had an issue with this man? A smile that can light up a room and the staple of baseball on ESPN for years. A true legend that can not be ignored.
2. Chris Berman
Does the big fella really need any description of why he is in the Mount Rushmore here? WHOOOOOP. Is the staple word and finish to what was always an action-packed football Sunday and Monday with Boomer. An ESPN legend since 1979.
1.Scott Van Pelt
This man has been paving the way in my opinion, for how sports should always be covered. A ‘go with the flow’ type personality who’s been bringing laughs into our living rooms for years. I’ve always felt that Scott Van Pelt…’just gets it.’ A true warrior in the sports world.