History of Chris Russo in Timeline
Christopher "Mad Dog" Russo is a renowned American sports radio personality, famous for co-hosting the popular "Mike and the Mad Dog" program with Mike Francesa. The show, broadcasted on WFAN in New York City and simulcasted on the YES Network, cemented Russo's place in sports radio history. Currently, Russo hosts "Mad Dog Sports Radio" on Sirius XM Radio and "Mad Dog Unleashed" on SiriusXM Ch. 82. Expanding his reach, Russo joined MLB Network in 2014, where he hosts "High Heat" and co-hosts with Alanna Rizzo. His prominent voice in sports media is further amplified by regular appearances on ESPN's "First Take." In recognition of his contributions to radio, Russo was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame on November 1, 2022.
October 18, 1959: Birth of Christopher Michael Russo
Christopher Michael Russo, also known as 'Mad Dog', was born on October 18, 1959. He would go on to become a prominent American sports radio personality.
1984: Works at WKIS in Orlando
In 1984, Chris Russo worked for WKIS in Orlando, where he faced challenges with his accent and attended speech therapy sessions.
1987: Moves to WMCA in New York City
In 1987, Chris Russo transitioned from WKIS to WMCA in New York City, marking a significant step in his career.
December 1988: Joins WFAN
In December 1988, Chris Russo joined WFAN as an overnight, weekend, and fill-in host, before becoming a regular weekend show host.
1988: Continues at WMCA
Chris Russo continued his tenure at WMCA in New York City in 1988, further establishing his presence in the radio industry.
September 5, 1989: Launch of Mike and the Mad Dog
On September 5, 1989, at 3 PM Eastern Time, Chris Russo and Mike Francesa launched their iconic show, Mike and the Mad Dog.
May 6, 1995: Marriage to Jeanne Lavelle
On May 6, 1995, Chris Russo married Jeanne Lavelle. The couple has four children together.
August 14, 2008: Departure from WFAN
On August 14, 2008, Chris Russo reached an agreement with WFAN to be released from the remainder of his contract, deciding to pursue new opportunities.
August 15, 2008: Emotional Goodbye on WFAN
Chris Russo called into Mike Francesa's show on August 15, 2008, to say an emotional goodbye after leaving WFAN.
August 2008: Joins Sirius XM Radio
In August 2008, Chris Russo joined Sirius XM Radio and launched his own channel, Mad Dog Sports Radio.
August 19, 2008: Signs Contract with Sirius XM
On August 19, 2008, Chris Russo signed a five-year contract with Sirius XM Radio to create and host a new sports talk channel called Mad Dog Radio.
September 15, 2008: Launch of Mad Dog Unleashed
The show Mad Dog Unleashed, hosted by Chris Russo, began airing on Sirius Channel 123 and XM Channel 144 on September 15, 2008.
July 9, 2009: Berates Staff Over Ratings
On July 9, 2009, Chris Russo berated his staff on-air for his station's low ratings on satellite radio, including firing his program director, Steve Torre, who was later re-hired.
October 16, 2009: One-Hour Reunion with Mike Francesa
On October 16, 2009, Chris Russo reunited with Mike Francesa for a one-hour show at Yankee Stadium, also appearing later on Russo's Sirius XM show.
August 28, 2013: Signed by Sirius XM for Three More Years
On August 28, 2013, Chris Russo announced that he had been signed by Sirius XM for an additional three years, starting in September 2013.
March 31, 2014: Joins MLB Network
On March 31, 2014, Chris Russo joined MLB Network and began hosting his own show, High Heat.
March 30, 2016: Mike and the Mad Dog Reunion at Radio City Music Hall
Chris Russo and Mike Francesa reunited for a special Mike and the Mad Dog show at Radio City Music Hall on March 30, 2016.
September 2016: Signs New Three-Year Contract
In September 2016, Chris Russo signed a new three-year contract to continue his work with Sirius XM and MLB Network.
April 2019: Renews Contract for Four More Years
In April 2019, Chris Russo renewed his contract with Sirius XM for an additional four years, continuing his role on MLB Network's High Heat.
December 30, 2020: Colin Russo's Radio Debut
On December 30, 2020, Chris Russo's son Colin made his radio debut on WFAN, co-hosting with Sonny Carton.
February 15, 2021: Producer Bruce Schein Let Go
On February 15, 2021, Chris Russo announced that Bruce Schein, the producer of his show High Heat, had been let go by MLB Network.
2021: Co-hosts High Heat with Alanna Rizzo
As of 2021, Chris Russo began co-hosting the show High Heat with Alanna Rizzo on MLB Network.
November 1, 2022: Induction into Radio Hall of Fame
Chris Russo was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame on November 1, 2022, recognizing his significant contributions to the industry.
2023: Retirement Promise Controversy
In 2023, Chris Russo promised to retire if the Arizona Diamondbacks won two consecutive games against the Phillies to reach the World Series. After the Diamondbacks' win, Russo reneged on his vow and instead agreed to walk around New York City in a Diamondbacks-themed bikini.
