Who is Chris Russo?
Christopher Michael Russo, widely known as “Mad Dog,” is an American sports radio personality. He gained fame as the co-host of the Mike and the Mad Dog show alongside Mike Francesa on WFAN in New York City. In 2008, Russo expanded his career by joining Sirius XM Radio, where he launched Mad Dog Sports Radio and began hosting Mad Dog Unleashed in the afternoon. He also became a prominent figure on MLB Network, hosting High Heat until 2024, and regularly appears on ESPN’s First Take.
Russo’s energetic, fast-paced delivery, coupled with his iconic greeting, has made him a standout voice in sports media. His influence was further recognized when he was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2022, solidifying his status as one of the most distinctive personalities in the field.
Chris Russo’s age and birthday
Russo was born on October 18, 1959, in Syosset, New York, United States, and his zodiac sign is Libra.
Chris Russo’s height and weight
Russo stands at 6 feet (1.83 meters) tall and weighs approximately 75 kg (165 lbs). He has light brown hair and blue eyes.
Chris Russo educational background
Russo attended Darrow School in New Lebanon, New York, before earning a Bachelor’s degree in History from Rollins College in Florida. He also spent a semester at the University of Sydney in Australia, focusing on Australian history and literature. Furthermore, he had a brief stint at Cranleigh School in England.
Chris Russo’s dating life, spouse and children
Russo married Jeanne Marie Lavelle on May 6, 1995. They met in 1993 through a mutual friend while Russo worked at WFAN and Lavelle was in public relations. After dating for two years, they tied the knot in a Catholic ceremony in Rye, New York. Jeanne values her privacy but has always been a strong supporter of Russo’s career. The couple has four children: Timmy, Colin, Patrick, and Kiera. Their son Colin has followed his father’s path, pursuing a career in sports media at ESPN.
Chris Russo’s nationality and ethnicity
Russo holds American nationality and was born in Syosset, New York. He has a mixed ethnicity, with Italian heritage from his father and English ancestry from his mother. His maternal grandparents came from England, and his mother’s lineage includes both Australian and British roots.
Chris Russo’s parents and siblings
Russo was born in Syosset, New York, to Anthony Michael “Tony” Russo and Vera Russo. His father was of Italian descent, while his mother had English and Australian roots. Vera’s strong British accent influenced Russo’s speech early on. As an only child, Russo grew up without siblings, which helped shape his independent and outspoken personality, traits that became central to his career in sports radio.
Chris Russo career
Russo, also known as “Mad Dog,” has built a remarkable career in sports radio that spans several decades. He initially rose to fame as the co-host of Mike and the Mad Dog, a groundbreaking sports talk show on WFAN in New York City. The show, which aired from 1989 to 2008, revolutionized sports media with its passionate debates and in-depth analysis, making it a staple in the world of sports broadcasting.
After departing from WFAN, Russo transitioned to Sirius XM Radio, where he launched his own channel, Mad Dog Sports Radio. There, he continued to showcase his energetic and distinctive style by hosting Mad Dog Unleashed. His success in radio led him to expand his career further into television in 2014 when he joined MLB Network. Russo hosted High Heat, a show dedicated to baseball discussions, which he led until 2024.
In addition to his radio and television work, Russo became a frequent contributor to ESPN’s First Take, where he engaged in lively debates with Stephen A. Smith. His significant contributions to sports broadcasting culminated in his induction into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2022, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential voices in the industry.
Chris Russo’s net worth
Russo has a net worth of $22 million.
Chris Russo’s social media handles: Twitter, LinkedIn & Instagram
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