Chris Berman to remain with ESPN through 50th anniversary in 2029

Chris Berman has seen ESPN grow from a fledgling network airing the American Professional Slow Pitch Softball World Series into the Worldwide Leader in Sports. Since 1979, Berman has been a mainstay -- and now he is "back, back, back."

The 70-year-old Berman put pen to paper on an extension that will keep him with ESPN through 2029 -- his 50th year with the network -- and earn him a role with ESPN's coverage of the 2027 Super Bowl in Los Angeles.

"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," Berman said in a statement. "We're closing in on our very first Super Bowl, and now I will be able to be part of that, too."

Affectionately known as "Boomer," Berman joined ESPN less than a month after the network launched in September 1979. Along with serving on the desk during the early days of SportsCenter, he also hosted NFL PrimeTime from 1987 to 2005 and again since 2019.

Berman has also contributed to ESPN's coverage of 31 MLB All-Star games and 30 World Series, with many becoming familiar with his home run call, particularly during the Home Run Derby: "Back, back, back ... Gone!"

"For a remarkable half-century, Chris has embodied ESPN with his smart and entertaining style," ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement. "Boomer's enjoyment of sports jumps through the screen and generations of fans have loved being along for the ride."

"It is mind-blowing to think that I now have the opportunity and good fortune to work here for 50 years," Berman said, "which would be two-thirds of my entire life!"

--Field Level Media