Report: Chris 'Mad Dog' Russo Signs New ESPN Contract; Will Remain on 'First Take'

Chris "Mad Dog" Russo reportedly agreed to a multiyear contract extension with ESPN, remaining as a First Take panelist.

Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports reported the news, though no terms were announced. Russo regularly appears Wednesdays on the Stephen A. Smith-helmed show.

"I love the First Take gig. I've had a renaissance. It's because of Stephen A.," Russo told McCarthy.

Russo, 64, joined ESPN in 2022 amid ESPN's reformatting of First Take into a Smith-centric program. Smith previously co-hosted the show with Skip Bayless and Max Kellerman, but First Take now features a rotating cast that includes Russo, Shannon Sharpe and JJ Redick.

"I do think I'll be with ESPN. I can't give that up; it's too good. If they'll have me. We're on a roll," Russo told McCarthy. "That's money in the bank. It's Wednesdays. It's not that difficult. I love the guy. We have a very good relationship. Why would I want to leave Stephen A.?"

Molly Qerim has hosted the show since 2015.

Before joining ESPN, Russo was best known for co-hosting the Mike and the Mad Dog with Mike Francesa from 1989 to 2008. Russo has since worked for SiriusXM and has his own channel, Mad Dog Sports Radio.