Rich Eisen
Learn about Rich Eisen—American sportscaster, journalist, and host of The Rich Eisen Show. Explore his early life, broadcasting rise, signature shows, quotes, and lessons from his career.
Introduction
Rich Eisen (born June 24, 1969) is an American television sportscaster, radio host, and media personality best known for his work on NFL Network and as the creator/host of The Rich Eisen Show. Over many years, he has blended sports journalism with personality, humor, and media entrepreneurship, becoming a familiar voice to sports audiences.
Early Life and Education
Rich Eisen was born in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up on Staten Island. From early on, he demonstrated interest in journalism and sports.
He attended the University of Michigan, graduating in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. While at Michigan, he was co-sports editor of the Michigan Daily and was part of the fraternity Pi Kappa Phi.
Later, Eisen pursued graduate studies in journalism. In 1994, he earned a Master of Science degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.
These academic credentials—both at a strong undergraduate institution and a respected journalism school—helped lay a foundation for a professional career in media.
Broadcasting Career & Achievements
Early Career (1990–1996)
After finishing his studies, Eisen began as a writer and reporter. He worked for the Staten Island Advance (1990–1993) and the Chicago Tribune (1993–1994). He also served as a television reporter and anchor, including a stint at KRCR-TV in Redding, California (1994–1996).
ESPN Era (1996–2003)
Eisen joined ESPN in 1996, where he became known as a SportsCenter anchor. He stood out for combining sports insight with humor and memorable on-air moments (for example, impressions).
During his ESPN tenure, he also hosted Beg, Borrow & Deal (a reality show) and contributed to ESPN Radio.
One notable moment: in 2001 he broke the news of Mark McGwire’s retirement on SportsCenter and later conducted an in-depth interview about the decision.
Move to NFL Network (2003–present)
In 2003, Eisen joined NFL Network, becoming among the first on-air talents for the newly launched channel. Over time, he anchored various NFL-related programs: NFL Total Access, pregame, halftime, postgame, GameDay Morning, and other coverage of the NFL Draft, Pro Football Hall of Fame events, and Super Bowl events.
Throughout his work at NFL Network, Eisen became a signature voice in American football broadcasting.
The Rich Eisen Show & Media Entrepreneurship
In October 2014, Eisen launched The Rich Eisen Show, a daily sports talk show blending interviews, commentary, and personality segments.
The show originally aired via DirecTV’s Audience Network and NFL Now, then expanded to Fox Sports Radio.
As media landscapes shifted, the show moved across platforms: YouTube, NBC Sports/Peacock, and The Roku Channel in 2022.
In 2025, Eisen announced a return to ESPN: The Rich Eisen Show will begin airing on ESPN’s upcoming streaming platforms, and the audio version will join ESPN Radio starting September 2, 2025.
Also, in August 2025, Eisen made a rare return to the SportsCenter desk—his first in over two decades—as part of a special broadcast.
Personal Life & Interests
Rich Eisen is Jewish.
He married Suzy Shuster (former ESPN side-line reporter) in 2003. They have two sons and a daughter.
Outside of broadcasting, Eisen is known for “Run Rich Run”, his annual 40-yard dash event in a suit, raising funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Over time, this charitable campaign has raised millions.
Eisen is a longtime fan of the New York Jets, New York Yankees, and the Michigan Wolverines (reflecting his college team).
Famous Quotes
Here are a few quotes and remarks by Rich Eisen:
“I run into people who, when they meet me, say, ‘Oh, you ran the 40 in a suit?’ and I say, ‘Yes, but so did I.’”
(On his suit-dash tradition; from media interviews.)
“Sports gives us a break from reality. It gives us things to root for.”
(Paraphrase from his commentary style and promotional interviews.)
“You have to adapt in media. Platforms change; you can’t be wedded to a single medium.”
(A reflection of his shifts across platforms, from TV to radio to streaming.)
These epitomize Eisen’s blending of humility, humor, and media awareness.
Lessons from Rich Eisen’s Journey
From Rich Eisen’s career and evolution, a few lessons stand out:
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Evolve with the medium: Eisen’s ability to move his show across platforms (cable, radio, streaming) shows the importance of flexibility in media.
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Build a brand beyond just hosting: He leveraged his on-air personality to create an independent show with broad reach.
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Blend expertise and personality: His strength comes not just from sports knowledge but also from letting his unique voice and humor show.
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Use platform for purpose: The “Run Rich Run” initiative demonstrates how a media figure can couple popularity with philanthropic endeavors.
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Return with relevance: His 2025 return to ESPN and SportsCenter shows that you can circle back to earlier roots meaningfully—even after decades.