Chris Berman is a household name in every football fan’s home, being a longtime NFL studio host and anchor for shows likeNFL Primetimeon ESPN. He has been involved with ESPN since 1979. Affectionately nicknamed “Boomer”, he is considered a legendary figure in his profession for his longevity and his catchphrases.
Winner of the National Sportscaster of the Year six times, Berman has quite the experience in sportscasting. However, he has finally decided to make an important decision regarding his future.
Chris Berman announces retirement timeline
Berman has revealed his retirement plans in an interview on the CNBC Sport podcast with Alex Sherman on February 26, 2026. Now 70 years old, he said that his current contract will be over after the end of the 2029 NFL season. He plans to retire after that, which will mark 50 years of involvement with ESPN, and he will be nearly 75 years old at that point.
Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Broadcaster Chris Berman prior to a game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Broadcaster Chris Berman prior to a game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
He said, “I did tell our president, Jimmy Pitaro, when they were foolish enough to sign me — I’m going to be here 50 years. I said, ‘You may never have another guy or woman here (50 years). I don’t know.”
He added, “I’m signed through the 2029 season. I’ll be almost 75. I think the nation’s more than had enough of me.” Berman was also happy that ESPN secured the rights to broadcast the Super Bowl in 2027, “I’m semi-retired now. I’m just so proud of where we’ve been from Day 1 to getting a Super Bowl.”
Berman had already been reducing his workload since 2017, with ESPN removing him from several NFL studio roles like Sunday NFL Countdown and briefly left NFL Primetime, though he resumed covering it. He was given a contract extension in May 2025, and it now seems like he will finally retire after decades of ESPN coverage. However, many online users appeared to be happy about his retirement.
Fans celebrate Chris Berman retirement
Many social media users seemed to be overjoyed to learn that Berman was retiring. In recent years, he lost his previous relevance and many thought he should retired long agp.
One user wrote, “Finally. He’s been super annoying for the past 25 years. Respect him…but later dude ✌️”.
A second user said, “Um ok, he was cool in the 90’s just corny now.”
A third user replied, “Boomer’s finally gone”.
Another added, “Why wait? Do it now. Fucking past it”.
A fifth remarked, “Gosh just retire already. (Btw he’s 70)”.
A sixth user commented, “Leave now please”.
Chris Berman will continue in his role until 2029, after which he will take his retirement.