ESPN's Chris Berman Unveils Plans for Retirement

Legendary ESPN broadcaster Chris Berman plans to retire after the 2029 NFL season, concluding a remarkable 50-year career with the network.

The 70-year-old personality, affectionately known as "Boomer," made the announcement during a recent interview on the CNBC Sport podcast with host Alex Sherman. Berman, who joined ESPN just one month after its launch in September 1979, said he is currently semi-retired but intends to fulfill his existing contract through the end of the 2029 football season—at which point he will be nearly 75.

"I'll be almost 75, I think the nation's more than had enough of me," Berman quipped. "I'm semi-retired now. I'm just so proud of where we've been ... from Day 1 to getting a Super Bowl."

A young Berman

Berman recalled telling ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro during contract negotiations that he aimed to stay for 50 years. "I did tell our president, Jimmy Pitaro, when they were foolish enough to sign me — I’m going to be here 50 years," he said. "I said, ‘You may never have another guy or woman here (50 years). I don’t know.’"

If he reaches that milestone, Berman would become the first ESPN employee to mark a full half-century with the company. He has been a cornerstone of the network's NFL coverage for decades, hosting shows like NFL Primetime, Monday Night Countdown (for 31 years), and Sunday NFL Countdown, while becoming one of the most recognizable and enduring voices in sports broadcasting.

Berman's extension through 2029 was announced by ESPN in May 2025, positioning him to contribute to major events including the network's Super Bowl coverage. His planned departure will mark the end of an era for the "Worldwide Leader in Sports," where he has been a fixture since its earliest days.