Career Timeline of Rich Eisen: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Rich Eisen, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Rich Eisen is a prominent American sportscaster and radio host. He's known for his work with NFL Network since 2003, hosting various shows related to NFL games and providing play-by-play commentary. Additionally, he hosts "The Rich Eisen Show," a daily sports radio program and podcast. Before joining NFL Network, Eisen was a notable SportsCenter anchor at ESPN from 1996 to 2003. After a merger between NFL Network and ESPN, he will return to ESPN in 2025.
1990: Joins Staten Island Advance
In 1990, Rich Eisen began his career as a staff writer for the Staten Island Advance.
1993: Joins Chicago Tribune
In 1993, Rich Eisen worked as a staff writer for the Chicago Tribune.
1994: Joins KRCR-TV
In 1994, Rich Eisen became a sports anchor and reporter at KRCR-TV in Redding, California, while also working as the Medill News Service's Washington correspondent.
1996: Departure from KRCR-TV
In 1996, Rich Eisen ended his time as a sports anchor and reporter at KRCR-TV in Redding, California.
1996: Joins ESPN
In 1996, Rich Eisen joined ESPN, where he became known as an anchor of SportsCenter.
2001: Breaks News of McGwire's Retirement
In 2001, while at ESPN, Rich Eisen broke the news of St. Louis slugger Mark McGwire's retirement from baseball on SportsCenter and days later interviewed McGwire on the decision.
May 28, 2003: Departs from ESPN Headquarters
On May 28, 2003, Rich Eisen departed from ESPN’s headquarters, prior to his return in April 2026.
June 2003: Joins NFL Network
In June 2003, Rich Eisen became the first on-air talent added to the NFL Network roster.
2003: Joins NFL Network
In 2003, Rich Eisen began working for NFL Network as a host for various pregame, halftime, and postgame shows, as well as doing occasional play-by-play commentary.
2003: Last SportsCenter Appearance Until 2025
In 2003, Rich Eisen made his last appearance as a SportsCenter anchor, before returning to the show in 2025.
2010: Launches "The Rich Eisen Podcast"
In 2010, Rich Eisen launched "The Rich Eisen Podcast," the first-ever podcast for NFL.com, featuring guests from sports and entertainment.
2010: Signs Long-Term Deal with NFL Network
In 2010, Rich Eisen signed a new long-term deal with NFL Network and became the host of NFL GameDay Morning.
August 2011: Departure from NFL Total Access
In August 2011, Rich Eisen stepped down as the main host of NFL Total Access, the NFL Network's flagship program.
June 24, 2012: TNT's The Great Escape Debut
On June 24, 2012, Rich Eisen hosted the debut of TNT's original reality series, The Great Escape.
October 2012: The Great Escape Cancelled
In October 2012, TNT's original reality series, The Great Escape, which was hosted by Rich Eisen, was cancelled.
November 2012: Thanksgiving Special Airs on NFL Network
In November 2012, Rich Eisen's first Thanksgiving Special aired on the NFL Network featuring celebrity guests.
October 6, 2014: The Rich Eisen Show Debut
On October 6, 2014, The Rich Eisen Show, a sportstalk TV/radio program, began broadcasting live from DirecTV's El Segundo, California Studios on Audience Network and NFL Now.
November 3, 2014: The Rich Eisen Show on Fox Sports Radio
On November 3, 2014, The Rich Eisen Show was picked up by Fox Sports Radio and broadcast daily from noon to 3 p.m. ET, taking over the slot from Jay Mohr.
2017: Honored with Pat Summerall Award
In 2017, Rich Eisen was honored with the Pat Summerall Award for his charitable campaign "#RunRichRun," which raises money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
March 2020: The Rich Eisen Show Moves to YouTube
In early March 2020, The Rich Eisen Show's broadcast moved from Audience to YouTube due to the impending shutdown of Audience.
September 2022: The Rich Eisen Show Moves to The Roku Channel
In September 2022, The Rich Eisen Show program moved to The Roku Channel.
August 18, 2025: Returns to SportsCenter
On August 18, 2025, as part of his deal to return to ESPN, Rich Eisen made his first appearance as a SportsCenter anchor since 2003, hosting a retro-themed show alongside Mina Kimes and honoring Stuart Scott.
2025: Returns to ESPN
In 2025, Rich Eisen returned to ESPN following a merger between NFL Network and ESPN.
April 8, 2026: Returns to ESPN Headquarters
On April 8, 2026, it was announced that Rich Eisen would return to Bristol, Connecticut, to host a special edition of SportsCenter on April 12th, marking his first time inside ESPN’s headquarters since his departure on May 28, 2003.
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