Chris Berman Biography: Age, Wife, Career | ESPN sportscaster

From Connecticut to ESPN: The Chris Berman Story

Chris Berman is an American sportscaster who has been a prominent figure at ESPN since its early days. He is best known for his work on SportsCenter, NFL Countdown, and NFL Primetime.

Early Life and Career

Born  in Greenwich, Connecticut, Berman’s passion for sports led him to pursue a career in sports broadcasting.

Chris attended the Hackley School, a private school in Tarrytown, New York. Known for its rigorous academic environment, Hackley helped shape Chris’s intellectual curiosity and disciplined approach to his studies.

After graduating, he went on to Brown University, where he majored in history and graduated in 1977.

At Brown, he became the sports director of the university’s radio station, WBRU. This experience was pivotal in developing his passion for sports broadcasting.

ESPN Career

In 1979, Berman joined ESPN shortly after its launch, becoming one of the network’s first on-air personalities.

He quickly became a fan favorite with his energetic style and unique nicknames for players, such as “Touchdown Tommy” for Tom Brady and “The Rocket” for Brett Favre.

Berman’s versatility has allowed him to host various programs on ESPN, including SportsCenter, NFL Countdown, NFL Primetime, and Monday Night Countdown.

He has also served as a play-by-play commentator for Major League Baseball games, including the Home Run Derby. 

Awards and Recognition

Berman’s contributions to sports broadcasting have earned him numerous awards, including six National Sportscaster of the Year awards from the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association.

He has also won multiple Emmy Awards and CableACE Awards for his work on ESPN.

Legacy

Chris Berman’s legacy at ESPN is undeniable. He has been a key figure in the network’s success and has entertained millions of viewers with his unique style and passion for sports.

His contributions to sports broadcasting will be remembered for years to come.

Age:

Chris Berman was born on May 10, 1955, which makes him 69 years old. His zodiac sign is Taurus. He is of Jewish ethnicity and holds American nationality.

Parents and Siblings:

Chris Berman’s early life and family background played a significant role in shaping his personality and career:

Early Life

Chris Berman was born on May 10, 1955, in Greenwich, Connecticut. He grew up in Irvington, New York, a suburb that offered a supportive environment for his budding interests.

His summers were spent at Camp Winnebago in Fayette, Maine, where he developed lifelong friendships and honed his social skills, attributes that would later contribute to his charismatic on-air presence.

Parents

• Mother: Peggy Shevell (née Tenenbaum) was a reporter-researcher for Time magazine. She was known for her intelligence and dedication, qualities that undoubtedly influenced Chris’s pursuit of a career in media. Peggy’s role at Time magazine exposed Chris to the world of journalism from a young age, instilling in him an appreciation for storytelling and reporting.

• Father: James Keliner Berman was a corporate executive vice president. His professional demeanor and work ethic served as a model for Chris, teaching him the value of hard work and dedication. James’s career in the corporate world provided a stable and supportive environment for the family.

Siblings

Chris has one sibling, an older sister named Susan Berman. Growing up in a close-knit family, Chris and Susan shared a bond that remains strong to this day.

Susan’s presence in his life provided him with companionship and support, further solidifying the values of family and loyalty.

Wife:

Chris Berman was married to Katherine Alexinski for over three decades. Kathy passed away in a car accident on May 9, 2017, just one day before Chris’s 62nd birthday. The couple had two children together: Doug Berman and Meredith Berman.

Kathy Alexinski

Kathy was known for her warm heart and kind nature. She and Chris shared a deep bond, and her sudden passing was a devastating loss for him and their family.

The outpouring of love and support from friends, colleagues, and fans helped Chris and his children through the difficult time.

Doug Berman

Doug, Chris’s son, has followed in his father’s footsteps to some extent, working in the sports media industry. He has often been seen supporting his father during broadcasts and events.

Meredith Berman

Meredith, Chris’s daughter, has also been a source of strength for her father. The family has expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they received from the sports community and beyond following Kathy’s passing.

Meredith Berman was diagnosed with tongue cancer in 2019. Despite not being a smoker or having HPV, which are common risk factors for tongue cancer, Meredith faced this challenging diagnosis with courage and determination.

Chris Berman has been a pillar of support for Meredith throughout her battle with cancer.

The family has openly discussed the difficulties they’ve faced, including the loss of Chris’s wife, Katherine Alexinski, in a tragic car accident in 2017.

The combination of these personal tragedies has been incredibly tough, but Chris and his family have shown remarkable resilience.

Meredith has spoken publicly about her journey, including participating in the WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.

Her strength and the support from her family have been sources of inspiration for many.

Height, Weight:

Chris Berman is 6 feet 5 inches (195 cm) tall and weighs approximately 176 lbs (80 kg).

Career and Background:

Berman’s broadcasting journey commenced during his time at Brown University, where he served as the sports director for WBRU Radio, covering various sports.

After graduating, he briefly worked at Hartford’s WVIT-TV as a weekend sports anchor. In October 1979, he joined ESPN, becoming one of its earliest and most enduring personalities.

Throughout his tenure, Berman has hosted numerous programs, including “Sunday NFL Countdown” for 31 years and “NFL Primetime.”

He is renowned for his distinctive catchphrases and dynamic presentation style. His contributions have earned him multiple accolades, including six National Sportscaster of the Year awards.

Early Career and ESPN

Chris Berman began his career in sports journalism at WVIT-TV in Hartford, Connecticut, as a weekend sports anchor.

His unique style and enthusiasm quickly caught the attention of ESPN, and he joined the network just a month after its launch in October 1979.

He became one of ESPN’s first on-air personalities and has remained with the network ever since.

Signature Shows

• SportsCenter: Berman has been a fixture on ESPN’s flagship program, SportsCenter, since its early days. Known for his energetic delivery and trademark catchphrases, he has played a significant role in shaping the show’s identity.

• Sunday NFL Countdown: From 1985 to 2016, Chris hosted Sunday NFL Countdown, a pregame show that became a must-watch for NFL fans. His charismatic and insightful analysis made the show incredibly popular.

• NFL Primetime: Berman hosted NFL Primetime from 1987 to 2005 and again from 2019 to present. The show, which recaps the day’s NFL games with highlights and analysis, became one of ESPN’s most beloved programs. His “back-back-back” home run call and creative player nicknames became iconic.

• Monday Night Countdown: From 2006 to 2016, Berman hosted Monday Night Countdown, providing viewers with in-depth analysis and entertaining commentary ahead of Monday Night Football games.

• U.S. Open Golf: Berman brought his unique style to golf coverage as well, hosting the U.S. Open Golf Championship for many years. His ability to convey excitement and drama made him a favorite among golf fans.

Notable Contributions and Style

Chris Berman is known for his enthusiastic and quirky style, often using catchy nicknames for players and memorable catchphrases. His ability to bring excitement to sports broadcasts has made him a beloved figure in sports media. Some of his famous catchphrases include:

• “He…could…go…all…the…way!”
• “Back-back-back-back…gone!”
• “Rumbling, bumbling, stumbling.”

His nicknames for players, such as calling former MLB player Bert Blyleven “Bert ‘Be Home’ Blyleven,” added a fun and memorable element to his broadcasts.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Chris Berman has received numerous awards and honors, including:

• National Sportscaster of the Year: Awarded six times by the National Sports Media Association.

• Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award: Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

• Lamar Hunt Award for Professional Football: Received in 2024 for his contributions to the NFL.
• Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2017.

• Emmy Awards and CableACE Awards: His shows have won a total of 10 Emmy Awards and 12 CableACE Awards.

Chris Berman has worked with many notable colleagues throughout his career at ESPN. Some of his close colleagues include:

• Tom Jackson: A former NFL player who joined ESPN as an analyst and has been a frequent co-host with Berman on shows like Sunday NFL Countdown and NFL Primetime.

• Chris Mortensen: A legendary NFL insider who worked closely with Berman on Sunday NFL Countdown and Monday Night Countdown. Mortensen was known for his in-depth reporting and breaking news.

• Adam Schefter: A prominent NFL insider who often appeared alongside Berman and Mortensen on NFL shows. Schefter has praised Berman for his professionalism and enthusiasm.

• Kenny Mayne: A former ESPN anchor who has shared many memorable moments with Berman over the years. Mayne has spoken highly of Berman’s kindness and dedication to his craft.

• Andrea Kremer: A respected journalist who has worked with Berman on various projects. Kremer has expressed admiration for Berman’s professionalism and friendship.

• Scott Van Pelt: A current ESPN anchor who has collaborated with Berman on several occasions. Van Pelt has described Berman as a sincere and decent person.

• Greg Gumbel: A former ESPN anchor who worked with Berman in the early days of the network. Berman has paid tribute to Gumbel, calling him a tremendous professional and an even better person.

These colleagues have not only contributed to Berman’s success but have also formed lasting friendships and professional relationships with him.

Net Worth and Salary:

Chris Berman’s net worth is estimated to be $30 million. His impressive wealth has been accumulated over his long and successful career in sports broadcasting, primarily with ESPN.

Salary

While specific details of his salary are not always publicly disclosed, it is rumored that his annual salary is as high as $8 million. This substantial income reflects his status as one of the most recognizable and beloved sportscasters in the industry.

Additional Income

In addition to his earnings from ESPN, Chris Berman has also appeared in several feature films, including “The Waterboy,” “Grown Ups 2,” “Draft Day,” and “Kingpin”.

He has also made appearances on TV shows like “Young Rock,” “Sesame Street,” “Spin City,” and “Even Stevens”. These roles have contributed to his overall net worth.

Endorsements and Spokesperson Roles

Chris Berman has also worked as a spokesperson for various brands, including Carshield and Applebee’s in the United States. These endorsement deals have further supplemented his income over the years.

Is Chris Berman Married?

Chris Berman was married to Katherine “Kathy” Alexinski from 1983 until her untimely death in 2017. Since her passing, there have been no public reports of him remarrying.

How Old Is Chris Berman?

Chris Berman was born on May 10, 1955, which makes him 69 years old as of now

Where Is Chris Berman Working At?

Chris Berman is currently working at ESPN, where he continues to be a prominent figure in sports broadcasting. His roles include:

• NFL Primetime: Chris hosts NFL Primetime, a weekly highlights show that recaps the latest NFL games. He returned to host the show in 2019 after a hiatus.

• SportsCenter: Berman remains a regular anchor on SportsCenter, ESPN’s flagship news program. He often hosts segments and provides commentary on various sports events.

• Play-by-Play Announcer: Chris occasionally calls play-by-play for select Major League Baseball games, including the Home Run Derby until 2016.

• Special Projects: He continues to be involved in special projects and SportsCenter specials, covering marquee events and major sports stories.

Chris Berman’s enduring presence at ESPN showcases his lasting impact and popularity in the world of sports media.