History of Kenny Mayne in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 22, 2024

Kenneth Wheelock Mayne is a well-known figure in American sports media, particularly for his tenure at ESPN spanning from 1994 to 2021. He gained recognition as the host of "Kenny Mayne's Wider World of Sports" on ESPN.com and contributed regularly to "Sunday NFL Countdown" with his distinctive "Mayne Event" segment. His work at ESPN was characterized by a dry wit that became a hallmark of his broadcasting style.

1959: Birth of Kenny Mayne

Kenny Mayne was born in either 1959 or 1960.

1960: Birth of Kenny Mayne

Kenny Mayne was born in either 1959 or 1960.

1978: Junior College All-American Quarterback Honorable Mention

In 1978, while attending Wenatchee Valley College, Kenny Mayne received an honorable mention as a junior college All-American quarterback.

1982: Graduation from UNLV

Kenny Mayne graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) with a degree in broadcasting in 1982.

1982: Early Television Career Begins

Kenny Mayne's television career began in 1982 with a short stint at KLVX-TV in Las Vegas before moving to KSTW-TV in Seattle.

1994: Kenny Mayne Joins ESPN

In 1994, Kenny Mayne started working at ESPN after sending them a note inquiring about a job.

1994: Start at ESPN

Kenny Mayne started working at ESPN in 1994.

1995: Starts as RPM 2Night Anchor

Kenny Mayne became the anchor for the weekend edition of RPM 2Night, starting in 1995.

August 1997: End of RPM 2Night Anchor Role

In August 1997, Kenny Mayne finished his role as the anchor of the weekend edition of RPM 2Night.

1998: Appearance in BASEketball

In 1998, Kenny Mayne appeared in the film "BASEketball".

1999: Appearance on The Drew Carey Show

In 1999, Kenny Mayne played himself in an episode of "The Drew Carey Show" titled "Tracy Bowl".

January 17, 2007: New ESPN Contract

On January 17, 2007, Kenny Mayne signed a new one-year contract with ESPN to do features, cover horse racing, and return to SportsCenter.

October 2, 2008: Mayne Street Web Series Launch

Beginning on October 2, 2008, Mayne starred in ESPN's first scripted web series, "Mayne Street".

2008: Publishes First Book

In 2008, Kenny Mayne published his first book, "An Incomplete and Inaccurate History of Sport".

2010: Appearance in Kung Fu Magoo

In 2010, Kenny Mayne appeared as himself in the animated film "Kung Fu Magoo".

December 2011: Television Debut of Wider World of Sports

A television version of "Kenny Mayne's Wider World of Sports", featuring highlights from the web series, aired on ESPN/ABC in December 2011. Season 2 continued the series, taking Mayne to several more countries for more unusual sports.

2011: Launch of Kenny Mayne's Wider World of Sports

ESPN launched "Kenny Mayne's Wider World of Sports" in 2011, an online video series showcasing Mayne's global travels and participation in unique sporting events.