ESPN signs one of Stephen A. Smith's top guests to a contract extension

"First Take" has been setting viewership records, and this sports radio legend has helped.

Feb 15, 2024 - 00:30

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ESPN signs one of Stephen A. Smith's top guests to a contract extension

One of Stephen A. Smith's most frequent teammates on "First Take" looks like he's staying put for a little longer.

Chris "Mad Dog" Russo, the Hall of Fame sports radio voice, has received a multiyear contract extension with ESPN, according to a report by Front Office Sports.

Russo began guesting on "First Take" with Stephen A. Smith in early 2022, a few months after ESPN decided to let go of Max Kellerman as Smith's partner and instead have a rotating cast of characters around him that includes the likes of Russo and Shannon Sharpe.

He's gained popularity for his hot takes on the show — which includes a hilarious back-and-forth with ESPN rising star JJ Redick and his own segment, "What Are You Mad About?"

Russo signed a one-year deal with ESPN in 2023 to continue working with Smith on "First Take," and that success has parlayed into another, longer deal this time around. The financial details of the deal are still unclear.

The 64-year-old has had own show, "Mad Dog Sports Radio," on SiriusXM for 15 years, but he believes that the opportunity with Smith and "First Take" has been a huge uplift for him late in his career. He told Front Office Sports that he has "had a renaissance" and he credits Smith for it.

"First Take's decision to move to a rotating cast around Smith and host Molly Qerim has paid dividends for the network as it has enjoyed massive success over the last year and change with 2023 marking the show's most-watched year ever.