The Press Box Chris Berman on Covering Super Bowls, ESPN’s Three Eras, and the Origin Story of ‘NFL Primetime’
Feb 6, 2025
Chris Berman, a veteran ESPN personality known for his dynamic hosting on NFL Primetime, shares his insights on covering an impressive 43 Super Bowls. He recounts the evolution of sports broadcasting and his journey through ESPN's three distinct eras. Berman reveals the initial concept behind NFL Primetime and recalls a tempting offer from NBC he turned down. The conversation wraps up with a fun lightning round, where he shares favorites from his career and a playful alternative dream job running a beverage cart at Pebble Beach.
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Blind Highlight Call
- At Super Bowl XXI, Chris Berman had to call highlights without a return feed.
- He relied on his memory and the audio cues to describe the plays.
Time Magazine Influence
- Chris Berman's mother was a researcher for Time Magazine.
- This instilled in him the importance of factual accuracy in reporting.
Early Broadcasting Style
- Berman aimed for clear storytelling, focusing on sports fans who lacked access to televised games.
- He prioritized factual accuracy and genuine excitement in his delivery.