ESPN Signs Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo to New Deal, per Report

Chris “Mad Dog” Russo will reportedly signed a new one-year deal to remain on ESPN’s First Take with host Molly Qerim and sports broadcaster Stephen A. Smith, according to the New York Post.

While the hot takes from the popular radio icon on the show will continue, it is not certain how much Russo will make. Per the Post, Russo previously told Howard Stern that he earned $10,000 for each of his appearances on the show.

However, when the Post reached out to both ESPN and Russo for comment about the new deal, they declined. Generally, Russo appears on the Wednesday edition of the show, garnering viewers’ attention midweek with his controversial takes on the latest sports topics.

Russo has had some notable moments on the show that includes severely criticizing Aaron Rodgers, his piping hot debate with JJ Reddick about the legacies of Bob Cousy and Chris Paul as well as reuniting with his longtime WFAN partner, Mike Francesa, for an episode of the show in February. On Wednesday, he made headlines for a controversial take on the Mike Trout-Shohei Ohtani showdown that ended a dramatic World Baseball Classic final.