I recall the first day ESPN hit the air waves in 1979 with a cast of characters no one had ever heard of, at least on a national stage.
Part of that original cast of ESPN sports anchors included Chris Berman, easily the most recognizable personality the network has ever had.
Berman has become the face of ESPN, the man who helped put a once fledgling network on the map and eventually built it into one of the powerhouses of television.
On the surface, Berman’s departure from ESPN seems almost inconceivable given his long tenure with the network.
But on Monday, Jason McIntyre of The Big Lead reported that a supposedly credible source told him the NFL Network will pursue Berman once his contract expires in three months.
Steve Bornstein, president of the NFL Network, worked with Berman at ESPN in the 1980′s. The two have known each other for over 30 years and there’s a chance Bornstein could make Berman an offer he can’t refuse.
Rich Eisen, another former ESPN employee, is the lead anchor for the NFL Network. The two seem to have a good working relationship and it’s no secret that Berman has professed his first love is football, particularly the NFL.
Late Monday, a source told SportsbyBROOKS that DirectTV will also pursue Berman’s services. Former ESPN anchor Dan Patrick is on the staff at DirectTV and a possible reunion with another trusted colleague would be a major selling point.
All the rumors aside, perhaps it’s time for Berman to break free from the only network he’s known.
For the first time in 30 years, he could have an opportunity to shed the persona that viewers have become weary of and develop a new on air presence.
It seems many of those who’ve watched Berman throughout his time at ESPN are tired of his “schtick” and a move could offer an opportunity to remake himself.
Landing at the NFL Network seems to make the most sense for Berman, considering some of their personalities are just plain awful.
Jamie Dukes, Warren Sapp and Deion Sanders make the mute button a mandatory option on the remote control when they’re on.
Adding Berman gives the NFL Network more credibility among the fans that still spend more time tuned in to ESPN.
There isn’t a better time for Berman to make a major career move given that the NFL and Comcast finally resolved their differences, with the network finally available to a much larger audience now that the two sides have come to terms.
It still seems to be a long shot that Berman would leave ESPN and despite the fans growing tired of his routine, he remains one of their biggest draws.
But for Berman, this may present the only opportunity he’ll have beyond this contract to reinvent himself and his career.
