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{{BLP sources|date=September 2010}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2022}}
{{Short description|American sports television journalist}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| image = Rich Eisen 2011.jpg
| image = Rich Eisen 2011.jpg
| name = Rich Eisen
| image_size = 200px
| name = Rich Eisen |
| caption = Eisen in 2011
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1969|6|24}}
| caption = Eisen at the [[2011 NFL Draft]]
| birth_place = New York City, U.S.
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1969|6|24}} |
| death_date =
| birth_place = [[Brooklyn, New York]], [[United States of America|USA]] |
| death_date = |
| death_place =
| alma_mater = [[University of Michigan]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])<br />[[Medill School of Journalism|Northwestern University]] ([[Master of Science|MS]])
| death_place = |
| occupation = [[Sports commentator|Sportscaster]]
|alma_mater=[[University of Michigan]]
| networth =
| occupation = [[Sportscaster]]
| website = {{url|nfl.com/nflnetwork/onairtalent/rich-eisen}}
| salary =
| spouse = {{marriage|[[Suzy Shuster]]|2003}}
| networth = |
| children = 3
| website = [http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/showscontent?page=/nflnetwork/programs/totalaccess&subjectType=totalaccess NFL Total Access] |
| footnotes = |
|spouse=[[Suzy Shuster]]
}}
}}
'''Richard Eisen''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|aɪ|z|ən}}; born June 24, 1969) is an [[United States|American]] [[television]] [[journalist]] who works for [[NFL Network]]. He is married to [[Suzy Shuster]], [[college football]] [[sideline reporter]] for [[ESPN on ABC]]. He wrote the book ''Total Access'' which was published in 2007.


'''Richard Eisen''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|aɪ|z|ən}} {{respell|EYE|zən}}; born June 24, 1969)<ref name="bio" /> is an American television [[sports commentator|sportscaster]] and [[radio host]]. Since 2003, he has worked for [[NFL Network]] as a host of various pregame, halftime, and postgame shows. He also hosts a daily sports radio show, ''The Rich Eisen Show''. From 1996 to 2003, he worked at [[ESPN]], most prominently as an anchor of ''[[SportsCenter]]''.
==Early life and education==
Eisen was born in [[Brooklyn]], [[New York]], and was raised on [[Staten Island]].<ref name=bio>[http://www.grabow.biz/Speakers/RichEisen.htm Rich Eisen Biography]. Retrieved on November 6, 2007.</ref> Eisen attended the [[University of Michigan]], where he served as co&ndash;sports editor of the school's ''[[Michigan Daily]]'' and member of the [[Pi Kappa Phi]] fraternity.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pikappsonline.com/rich-eisen-alpha-kappa-michigan-former-espn-anchor-t13s25.html |title=Rich Eisen (Alpha Kappa - Michigan) - Former ESPN Anchor "publisher=Pi Kappa Phi |accessdate=September 24, 2012}}</ref> He graduated in 1990 with a bachelor of arts degree, and in 1994 he earned a master of science degree in journalism from the [[Medill School of Journalism]] at [[Northwestern University]].


== Early life and education ==
==Broadcasting career==
Eisen was born in the [[Brooklyn]] borough of [[New York City]], and was raised on [[Staten Island]], New York City.<ref name=bio>{{cite web |url= http://www.grabow.biz/Speakers/RichEisen.htm |title=Rich Eisen Biography |newspaper=Grabow.biz |access-date= November 6, 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120207121225/http://www.grabow.biz/Speakers/RichEisen.htm |archive-date=February 7, 2012 |quote=Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on June 24, 1969, and raised in Staten Island...}}</ref><ref name="mfint">{{cite web |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJdxRD-i-1c#t=14m0s |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/iJdxRD-i-1c |archive-date=December 13, 2021 |url-status= live|title=WFAN's Mike Francesa Talks Giants Benching Eli Manning & More w/Rich Eisen |work=The Rich Eisen Show |date=November 29, 2017 |via=YouTube |access-date=May 16, 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


Eisen attended the [[University of Michigan]], where he served as co–sports editor of the school's ''[[Michigan Daily]]'' and was a member of the [[Pi Kappa Phi]] fraternity.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://pikappsonline.com/rich-eisen-alpha-kappa-michigan-former-espn-anchor-t13s25.html |title=Rich Eisen (Alpha Kappa – Michigan) – Former ESPN Anchor |website= pikappsonline.com | publisher= Pi Kappa Phi |access-date=September 24, 2012 |archive-url= https://archive.today/20130131122240/http://pikappsonline.com/rich-eisen-alpha-kappa-michigan-former-espn-anchor-t13s25.html |archive-date= January 31, 2013}}</ref> He graduated in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1994, he earned a Master of Science degree in journalism from the [[Medill School of Journalism]] at [[Northwestern University]].
===Early years (1990&ndash;1996)===

Eisen was first a staff writer for the ''[[Staten Island Advance]]'' from 1990–1993, and the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' in 1993 and 1994. He was then a sports anchor and reporter at [[KRCR-TV]] in [[Redding, California]] from 1994 to 1996, and also worked in television as the Medill News Service's Washington correspondent (1994).<ref name=bio />
== Broadcasting career ==

=== Early years (1990–1996) ===
Eisen was first a staff writer for the ''[[Staten Island Advance]]'' from 1990 to 1993, and the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' in 1993 and 1994. He was then a sports anchor and reporter at [[KRCR-TV]] in [[Redding, California]], from 1994 to 1996, and also worked in television as the Medill News Service's Washington correspondent (1994).<ref name=bio />

=== ESPN (1996–2003) ===
Before working for the [[NFL Network]], he worked for [[ESPN]]. He was part of a duo with [[Stuart Scott]], where he became well known for his humor, most notably his impressions of [[Atlanta Braves]] broadcaster [[Skip Caray]], and provided interviews during the [[Home Run Derby]]. Eisen was also the host of ESPN's reality series, ''[[Beg, Borrow & Deal]]''. For [[ESPN Radio]], he served as host of [[Major League Baseball on CBS Radio]] and as a guest host on ''[[The Tony Kornheiser Show]]'' and ''[[The Dan Patrick Show]]''. Outside of the world of sports, Eisen hosted the [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] show ''[[Domino Day]]''.

Among Eisen's notable achievements while at ESPN was breaking the news of [[St. Louis Cardinals|St. Louis]] slugger [[Mark McGwire]]'s retirement from baseball in [[2001 St. Louis Cardinals season|2001]] on ''[[SportsCenter]]''. Days later, he sat down with McGwire for an exclusive interview elaborating on the decision.

=== NFL Network (2003–present) ===
Rich Eisen was the first on-air talent added to the NFL Network roster in June 2003. He was the main host of ''[[NFL Total Access]]'', the network's flagship program, until August 2011.
Eisen signed a new long-term deal with NFL Network in 2010 and became the new host of ''NFL GameDay Morning'', the first pregame show on the NFL Network. Eisen also remains host of ''[[NFL GameDay Highlights]]'', as well as NFL Network's ''[[Thursday Night Football]]'' pregame, halftime and postgame shows and special on-location coverage from league events such as Kickoff, Pro Football Hall of Fame, NFL Scouting Combine, [[NFL Draft]] and [[Super Bowl]].


===ESPN (1996&ndash;2003)===
[[File:NFL Draft 2010 NFL Network set Rich Eisen and Marshall Faulk.jpg|thumb|left|Eisen (left) and [[Marshall Faulk]] during the [[2010 NFL Draft]]]]
[[File:NFL Draft 2010 NFL Network set Rich Eisen and Marshall Faulk.jpg|thumb|left|Eisen (left) and [[Marshall Faulk]] during the [[2010 NFL Draft]]]]
Eisen expanded his résumé in 2010 with the debut of "The Rich Eisen Podcast," the first-ever podcast for NFL.com. The weekly podcast, available on [[Apple Podcasts]] among many other sources, features guests from the world of sports and entertainment news talking football and all the latest headlines. Since its debut, the podcast has been downloaded more than seven million times and celebrated its 200th episode. Eisen hosts his nationally syndicated sports talk radio show with Chris Brockman, Michael Del Tufo, and TJ Jefferson.
Before working for the [[NFL Network]], he worked for [[ESPN]]. He was part of a duo with [[Stuart Scott]], and became well known for his humor, most notably his impressions of [[Atlanta Braves]] broadcaster [[Skip Caray]] and provided interviews during the Home Run Derby. Eisen was also the host of ESPN's reality series, ''[[Beg, Borrow & Deal]]''. For [[ESPN Radio]], he served as host of [[Major League Baseball on CBS Radio|Major League Baseball]] and as a guest host on ''[[The Tony Kornheiser Show]]'' and ''[[The Dan Patrick Show]]''. Outside of the world of sports, Eisen hosted the [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] show ''[[Domino Day]]''.


In November 2012, Eisen's first Thanksgiving Special aired on the [[NFL Network]] with a variety of celebrity guests talking mostly sports and current events.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://richeisen.nfl.com/tag/the-rich-eisen-thanksgiving-special/ |title=The Rich Eisen Holiday Special |date= November 23, 2012 |website=NFL.com |access-date=May 16, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150905133410/http://richeisen.nfl.com/tag/the-rich-eisen-thanksgiving-special/ |archive-date=September 5, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/onairtalent/rich-eisen |title=NFL Network: On Air Talent: Rich Eisen |website=NFL.com |access-date=July 22, 2017}}</ref>
Among Eisen's notable achievements while at ESPN, was breaking the news of [[St. Louis Cardinals|St. Louis]] slugger [[Mark McGwire]]'s retirement from baseball in [[2001 St. Louis Cardinals season|2001]] on ''[[SportsCenter]]''. Days later, he sat down with McGwire for an exclusive interview elaborating on the decision.


In 2005, [[Terrell Davis]] challenged Eisen to compete in the 40-yard dash at the [[NFL Scouting Combine]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rivera |first=Joe |date=2024-02-29 |title=Why does Rich Eisen run the 40-yard dash? How NFL Network host started a tradition for charity &#124; Sporting News |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/rich-eisen-40-yard-dash-nfl-combine/xryxwsq738egvwvu1ynipskr |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=Sporting News |language=en-us}}</ref>
===NFL Network (2003&ndash;present)===
{{BLP unsourced section|date=April 2013}}
Rich Eisen was the first on-air talent added to the NFL Network roster in June 2003. Eisen is the face of the 24-hour, seven-day-a-week cable and satellite channel dedicated to football that debuted in November 2003. He was the main host of the show, ''[[NFL Total Access]]'', the network flagship program, until August of 2011.
Eisen signed a new long-term deal with NFL Network in 2010 and became the new host of ''[[NFL GameDay Morning]]'', the first pregame show on the NFL Network. Eisen also remains host of ''NFL Total Access'' and ''[[NFL GameDay Highlights]]'', as well as NFL Network’s ''[[Thursday Night Football]]'' pregame, halftime and postgame shows and special on-location coverage from league events such as Kickoff, Pro Football Hall of Fame, NFL Scouting Combine, [[NFL Draft]] and [[Super Bowl]].


Eisen runs it annually, wearing a suit, and his times are:
Eisen expanded his resume in 2010 with the debut of "The Rich Eisen Podcast," the first-ever podcast for NFL.com. The weekly podcast, available on NFL.com and [[iTunes]], features guests from the world of sports and entertainment news talking football and all the latest headlines. Since its debut, the podcast has been downloaded more than 7,000,000 times and recently celebrated its 200th episode in 2013.


{| class="wikitable"
In November of 2012, Eisen's first [http://richeisen.nfl.com/tag/the-rich-eisen-thanksgiving-special/ Thanksgiving Special] aired on the [[NFL Network]] with a variety of celebrity guests talking mostly sports and current events.
|-
| 2005 || 2006 || 2007 || 2008 || 2009 || 2010 || 2011 || 2012 || 2013 || 2014 || 2015 || 2016 || 2017 || 2018 || 2019 || 2020 || 2021 || 2022 || 2023
|-
| 6.77 || 6.22 || 6.43 || 6.34 || 6.34 || 6.21 || 6.18 || 6.03 || 6.03 || 5.98 || 6.10 || '''5.94''' || 6.02 || 5.97 || 6.00 || 5.98<ref>{{cite news |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2020/03/nfl-combine-rich-eisen-run-2020-history |title=Rich Eisen breaks six seconds in his latest 40-yard dash at the NFL combine |first=Charles |last=Curtis |date=March 2, 2020 |work=[[USA Today]] |access-date=March 2, 2020}}</ref>|| 6.03 || 6.16 || 6.22
|-
|}
That makes his best time 5.94, in 2016.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/02/rich-eisen-40-yard-dash-6-seconds |title=Rich Eisen broke the 6-second barrier in the 40-yard dash |first=Nick |last=Schwartz |date=February 25, 2014 |work= USA Today |access-date= May 16, 2019}}</ref>


Eisen turned his annual sprint into a charitable campaign "#RunRichRun" which raises money for [[St. Jude Children's Research Hospital]]. His campaign has already raised over $2.5 million<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 21, 2021 |title='Run Rich Run' 40-yard dash to air on NFL Network during 2021 NFL Draft coverage |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/run-rich-run-40-yard-dash-to-air-on-nfl-network-during-2021-nfl-draft-coverage |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> and for his work he was honored with the [[Pat Summerall#Awards and honors|2017 Pat Summerall Award]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rich-eisen-honored-with-the-2017-pat-summerall-award-during-super-bowl-li-week-at-legends-for-charity-dinner-300408028.html |title= Rich Eisen honored with the 2017 Pat Summerall Award during Super Bowl LI week at Legends for Charity® Dinner |author=St. Jude Children's Research |date=February 15, 2017 |website=PR Newswire |access-date=July 22, 2017}}</ref> A graphic based on one of his runs is the trademark of his weekday radio and television talk show.
In 2005, [[Terrell Davis]] challenged Eisen to compete in the 40 yard dash at the [[NFL Scouting Combine]].
His times are listed below (in seconds):
* 2005: 6.77
* 2006: 6.22
* 2007: 6.43
* 2008: 6.34
* 2009: 6.34
* 2010: 6.21
* 2011: 6.18
* 2012: 6.03
* 2013: 6.03
* 2014: 5.98


=== ''The Rich Eisen Show'' (2014–present) ===
===CBS Sports===
He worked as a [[play-by-play]] announcer for [[CBS Sports]] coverage of the [[U.S. Open (tennis)|U.S. Open Tennis Championships]], in addition to serving as the anchor for the network's weeknight (and late-night) highlights show during the tournament.


On October 6, 2014, Eisen began a new sportstalk TV/radio show, ''The Rich Eisen Show''. The show was broadcast live from DirecTV's [[El Segundo, California]] Studios on [[Audience Network]]<ref>{{cite news | url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/08/rich-eisen-nfl-network-directv-show | title=Rich Eisen is getting a three-hour daily NFL talk show on DirecTV | first=Chris | last=Strauss | date=August 18, 2014 | work=USA Today | access-date=June 4, 2023}}</ref> and NFL Now.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://nflcommunications.com/2014/10/06/series-premiere-of-the-rich-eisen-show-to-air-today-on-directv-and-nfl-now/ |title=Series Premiere of 'The Rich Eisen Show' to Air Today on DIRECTV and NFL Now |date=October 6, 2014 |work=NFL Communications |access-date=October 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008174600/http://nflcommunications.com/2014/10/06/series-premiere-of-the-rich-eisen-show-to-air-today-on-directv-and-nfl-now/ |archive-date= October 8, 2014 }}</ref>
===Other projects===
Eisen is the host of the [[TNT (TV channel)|TNT]] original reality series, ''[[The Great Escape (U.S. TV series)|The Great Escape]]'', which debuted on June 24, 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/TV/2012/01/06/TNT-orders-first-reality-competition-show/UPI-43491325883695/|title= TNT orders first reality competition show|author= |date= January 6, 2012|work= UPI.com|publisher= United Press International|accessdate=March 15, 2012}}</ref>
<br>


On November 3, 2014, the show was picked up by [[Fox Sports Radio]] and broadcast daily from noon to 3 p.m. ET.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/FOX-Sports-Radio-DIRECTV-to-Bring-THE-RICH-EISEN-SHOW-to-Sports-Radio-Fans-Nationwide-20141007# |title=FOX Sports Radio & DIRECTV to Bring THE RICH EISEN SHOW to Sports Radio Fans Nationwide |date=October 7, 2014 |work= Broadwayworld.com |access-date= October 7, 2014}}</ref> Eisen took over the slot from [[Jay Mohr]], who moved to the 3–6 p.m. slot.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://awfulannouncing.com/2014/fox-sports-radio-will-picking-rich-eisen-show.html |title=Fox Sports Radio will be picking up The Rich Eisen Show |first=Matt |last=Yoder |date=October 6, 2014 |website=AwfulAnnouncing.com |access-date=July 22, 2017}}</ref>
In 2012, Rich started the [http://richeisen.nfl.com/2012/09/27/punters-are-people-too-nfl-punters-join-the-movement/ Punters Are People Too] movement after [[Bryan Anger]] was drafted by the [[Jacksonville Jaguars]] in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft.


In early March 2020, the show's broadcast moved from Audience to YouTube due to the impending shutdown of Audience. [[NBCSN]] and eventually NBC's streaming service [[Peacock (streaming service)|Peacock]] picked up the show later in 2020. The program moved again, to [[The Roku Channel]] in September 2022.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/rich-eisen-show-rokup-streaming-sports-1235342045/ |title='Rich Eisen Show' Jumps to Roku From Peacock |first= Brian |last=Steinberg |date=August 16, 2022 |website=Variety.com |access-date=March 2, 2023}}</ref>
==References==

When the show moved to The Roku Channel, it also moved to a new location on [[Sirius XM]] satellite radio and Internet streaming, after several years on NBC Sports Audio; it is now available on Sirius 216, XM 202, and SXM [[mobile app|app]] channel 992.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.siriusxm.com/channels/sports-play-by-play-202 |title="Sports Play-by-Play 202 |website= SiriusXM.com |access-date=March 2, 2023}}</ref>

In 2022, the show was nominated for the [[Outstanding Studio Show]] [[Sports Emmy Awards|Sports Emmy Award]].<ref>{{cite web | url= https://nbcsportsgrouppressbox.com/2022/04/06/nbc-sports-earns-31-sports-emmy-award-nominations/ | title=NBC Sports Earns 31 Sports Emmy Award Nominations | date=April 6, 2022| website = nbcsportsgrouppressbox.com | accessdate = }}</ref>

=== Other media ===

Eisen was the host of the [[TNT (U.S. TV network)|TNT]] original reality series, ''[[The Great Escape (U.S. TV series)|The Great Escape]]'', which debuted on June 24, 2012, and was cancelled in October 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/TV/2012/01/06/TNT-orders-first-reality-competition-show/UPI-43491325883695/ |title=TNT orders first reality competition show |date= January 6, 2012 |work=[[UPI]].com |access-date=March 15, 2012}}</ref>

In 2014, Eisen appeared as himself in the film ''[[Draft Day]]''.

From 2015 to 2017, Eisen had a recurring role as himself on the [[CBS]] sitcom ''[[The Odd Couple (2015 TV series)|The Odd Couple]]'', playing the archrival of fictional sports radio personality Oscar Madison (played by [[Matthew Perry]]).

Since 2016, Eisen has appeared on multiple episodes of Comedy Central's TV series ''[[@midnight]]''. In February 2018, Eisen co-hosted, with [[Rebecca Romijn]], ''The American Rescue Dog Show'' on The Hallmark Channel.

In 2020, Eisen and ''The Rich Eisen Show'' are featured on ''Madden NFL 21: Face of The Franchise''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=MADDEN 21 Face Of The Franchise {{!}} CHOOSING A COLLEGE (Rise to Fame Career Mode) Ep 2 |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqOsf03un68|access-date=August 24, 2020| via= YouTube}}</ref>

In 2022, Eisen was as guest star in five episodes of the Disney TV series ''[[The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers]]''.

In 2012 and 2014, Eisen appeared as himself on two episodes of ''[[The League]]''.

== Personal life ==
Eisen is [[Jewish]].<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=RichEisen |number=414786589252788224 |date=December 22, 2013 |title=I'm Jewish. RT @AdamPierces @richeisen you looked like you never sat on Santa's lap before.}}</ref> In 2003, Eisen married [[Suzy Shuster]], formerly a [[college football]] [[sideline reporter]] for [[ESPN on ABC]]. They have two sons and a daughter, as well as two Golden Retriever rescue dogs. They live near Coldwater Canyon in [[Beverly Hills, California]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://online.wsj.com/articles/SB10000872396390444273704577633890646941610 |title=Home Front: Mixing Young Kids With a Collection |last=Jackson |first=Candace |date=September 6, 2012 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=May 16, 2019}}</ref>

Eisen wrote the book ''Total Access'', which was published in 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/total-access-rich-eisen/1008482236?ean=9780312369781 |title=Total Access: The Journey to the Center of the NFL Universe |website=Barnes & Noble |access-date=July 22, 2017}}</ref> In 2012, he started the "Punters Are People Too" movement<ref>{{cite web |url=http://richeisen.nfl.com/2012/09/27/punters-are-people-too-nfl-punters-join-the-movement/ |title=Punters Are People Too! – NFL Punters & Players Join the Movement |date=September 27, 2012 |website=NFL.com |access-date=May 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122200050/http://richeisen.nfl.com/2012/09/27/punters-are-people-too-nfl-punters-join-the-movement/ |archive-date=January 22, 2013}}</ref> after [[Bryan Anger]] was drafted by the [[Jacksonville Jaguars]] in the third round of the [[2012 NFL Draft]].

He also does a charity run for [[St. Jude Children's Hospital]] called Run Rich Run. It has raised approximately $5.2 million for the hospital.

He is a longtime fan of the [[New York Jets]] and also of the [[Michigan Wolverines]].

== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
== External links ==
*{{official website|http://www.richeisenshow.com/|The Rich Eisen Show}}
*[http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/showscontent?page=/nflnetwork/programs/totalaccess&subjectType=totalaccess NFL Total Access]
*{{cite web |url=http://www.nfl.com/network/shows/nfl-total-access?icampaign=network_totalaccess_header |title=NFL Total Access |website=NFL.com}}
*{{twitter|richeisen}}
*{{IMDb name|251963}}


{{NFL Total Access}}
{{NFL Total Access}}
{{sportscenter}}
{{BaseballTonight}}
{{BaseballTonight}}
{{Thursday Night Football}}
{{Thursday Night Football}}


{{Authority control|VIAF=71182165}}
{{Authority control}}

{{Persondata
|NAME = Eisen, Rich
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
|SHORT DESCRIPTION = Sports television journalist
|DATE OF BIRTH = June 24, 1969
|PLACE OF BIRTH = [[Brooklyn]], [[New York]], [[United States]]
|DATE OF DEATH =
|PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Eisen, Rich}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Eisen, Rich}}
[[Category:1969 births]]
[[Category:1969 births]]
[[Category:American sports journalists]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Brooklyn]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball broadcasters]]
[[Category:People from Staten Island]]
[[Category:University of Michigan alumni]]
[[Category:Medill School of Journalism alumni]]
[[Category:National Football League announcers]]
[[Category:National Football League announcers]]
[[Category:Tennis commentators]]
[[Category:Tennis commentators]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball announcers]]
[[Category:ESPN people]]
[[Category:NFL Network people]]
[[Category:American male journalists]]
[[Category:20th-century American journalists]]
[[Category:21st-century American journalists]]
[[Category:Jewish American sports journalists]]
[[Category:Jewish American journalists]]
[[Category:Journalists from Brooklyn]]
[[Category:The Michigan Daily alumni]]
[[Category:Medill School of Journalism alumni]]
[[Category:University of Michigan alumni]]
[[Category:21st-century American Jews]]
[[Category:People from Staten Island]]

Revision as of 22:34, 17 May 2024

Rich Eisen
Eisen in 2011
Born (1969-06-24) June 24, 1969 (age 54)
New York City, U.S.
Alma materUniversity of Michigan (BA)
Northwestern University (MS)
OccupationSportscaster
Spouse
​
(m. 2003)​
Children3
Websitenfl.com/nflnetwork/onairtalent/rich-eisen

Richard Eisen (/ˈaɪzən/ EYE-zən; born June 24, 1969)[1] is an American television sportscaster and radio host. Since 2003, he has worked for NFL Network as a host of various pregame, halftime, and postgame shows. He also hosts a daily sports radio show, The Rich Eisen Show. From 1996 to 2003, he worked at ESPN, most prominently as an anchor of SportsCenter.

Early life and education

Eisen was born in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, and was raised on Staten Island, New York City.[1][2]

Eisen attended the University of Michigan, where he served as co–sports editor of the school's Michigan Daily and was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.[3] He graduated in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1994, he earned a Master of Science degree in journalism from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.

Broadcasting career

Early years (1990–1996)

Eisen was first a staff writer for the Staten Island Advance from 1990 to 1993, and the Chicago Tribune in 1993 and 1994. He was then a sports anchor and reporter at KRCR-TV in Redding, California, from 1994 to 1996, and also worked in television as the Medill News Service's Washington correspondent (1994).[1]

ESPN (1996–2003)

Before working for the NFL Network, he worked for ESPN. He was part of a duo with Stuart Scott, where he became well known for his humor, most notably his impressions of Atlanta Braves broadcaster Skip Caray, and provided interviews during the Home Run Derby. Eisen was also the host of ESPN's reality series, Beg, Borrow & Deal. For ESPN Radio, he served as host of Major League Baseball on CBS Radio and as a guest host on The Tony Kornheiser Show and The Dan Patrick Show. Outside of the world of sports, Eisen hosted the ABC show Domino Day.

Among Eisen's notable achievements while at ESPN was breaking the news of St. Louis slugger Mark McGwire's retirement from baseball in 2001 on SportsCenter. Days later, he sat down with McGwire for an exclusive interview elaborating on the decision.

NFL Network (2003–present)

Rich Eisen was the first on-air talent added to the NFL Network roster in June 2003. He was the main host of NFL Total Access, the network's flagship program, until August 2011. Eisen signed a new long-term deal with NFL Network in 2010 and became the new host of NFL GameDay Morning, the first pregame show on the NFL Network. Eisen also remains host of NFL GameDay Highlights, as well as NFL Network's Thursday Night Football pregame, halftime and postgame shows and special on-location coverage from league events such as Kickoff, Pro Football Hall of Fame, NFL Scouting Combine, NFL Draft and Super Bowl.

Eisen (left) and Marshall Faulk during the 2010 NFL Draft

Eisen expanded his résumé in 2010 with the debut of "The Rich Eisen Podcast," the first-ever podcast for NFL.com. The weekly podcast, available on Apple Podcasts among many other sources, features guests from the world of sports and entertainment news talking football and all the latest headlines. Since its debut, the podcast has been downloaded more than seven million times and celebrated its 200th episode. Eisen hosts his nationally syndicated sports talk radio show with Chris Brockman, Michael Del Tufo, and TJ Jefferson.

In November 2012, Eisen's first Thanksgiving Special aired on the NFL Network with a variety of celebrity guests talking mostly sports and current events.[4][5]

In 2005, Terrell Davis challenged Eisen to compete in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine.[6]

Eisen runs it annually, wearing a suit, and his times are:

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
6.77 6.22 6.43 6.34 6.34 6.21 6.18 6.03 6.03 5.98 6.10 5.94 6.02 5.97 6.00 5.98[7] 6.03 6.16 6.22

That makes his best time 5.94, in 2016.[8]

Eisen turned his annual sprint into a charitable campaign "#RunRichRun" which raises money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. His campaign has already raised over $2.5 million[9] and for his work he was honored with the 2017 Pat Summerall Award.[10] A graphic based on one of his runs is the trademark of his weekday radio and television talk show.

The Rich Eisen Show (2014–present)

On October 6, 2014, Eisen began a new sportstalk TV/radio show, The Rich Eisen Show. The show was broadcast live from DirecTV's El Segundo, California Studios on Audience Network[11] and NFL Now.[12]

On November 3, 2014, the show was picked up by Fox Sports Radio and broadcast daily from noon to 3 p.m. ET.[13] Eisen took over the slot from Jay Mohr, who moved to the 3–6 p.m. slot.[14]

In early March 2020, the show's broadcast moved from Audience to YouTube due to the impending shutdown of Audience. NBCSN and eventually NBC's streaming service Peacock picked up the show later in 2020. The program moved again, to The Roku Channel in September 2022.[15]

When the show moved to The Roku Channel, it also moved to a new location on Sirius XM satellite radio and Internet streaming, after several years on NBC Sports Audio; it is now available on Sirius 216, XM 202, and SXM app channel 992.[16]

In 2022, the show was nominated for the Outstanding Studio Show Sports Emmy Award.[17]

Other media

Eisen was the host of the TNT original reality series, The Great Escape, which debuted on June 24, 2012, and was cancelled in October 2012.[18]

In 2014, Eisen appeared as himself in the film Draft Day.

From 2015 to 2017, Eisen had a recurring role as himself on the CBS sitcom The Odd Couple, playing the archrival of fictional sports radio personality Oscar Madison (played by Matthew Perry).

Since 2016, Eisen has appeared on multiple episodes of Comedy Central's TV series @midnight. In February 2018, Eisen co-hosted, with Rebecca Romijn, The American Rescue Dog Show on The Hallmark Channel.

In 2020, Eisen and The Rich Eisen Show are featured on Madden NFL 21: Face of The Franchise.[19]

In 2022, Eisen was as guest star in five episodes of the Disney TV series The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers.

In 2012 and 2014, Eisen appeared as himself on two episodes of The League.

Personal life

Eisen is Jewish.[20] In 2003, Eisen married Suzy Shuster, formerly a college football sideline reporter for ESPN on ABC. They have two sons and a daughter, as well as two Golden Retriever rescue dogs. They live near Coldwater Canyon in Beverly Hills, California.[21]

Eisen wrote the book Total Access, which was published in 2007.[22] In 2012, he started the "Punters Are People Too" movement[23] after Bryan Anger was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

He also does a charity run for St. Jude Children's Hospital called Run Rich Run. It has raised approximately $5.2 million for the hospital.

He is a longtime fan of the New York Jets and also of the Michigan Wolverines.

References

  1. ^ a b c "Rich Eisen Biography". Grabow.biz. Archived from the original on February 7, 2012. Retrieved November 6, 2007. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on June 24, 1969, and raised in Staten Island...
  2. ^ "WFAN's Mike Francesa Talks Giants Benching Eli Manning & More w/Rich Eisen". The Rich Eisen Show. November 29, 2017. Archived from the original on December 13, 2021. Retrieved May 16, 2019 – via YouTube.
  3. ^ "Rich Eisen (Alpha Kappa – Michigan) – Former ESPN Anchor". pikappsonline.com. Pi Kappa Phi. Archived from the original on January 31, 2013. Retrieved September 24, 2012.
  4. ^ "The Rich Eisen Holiday Special". NFL.com. November 23, 2012. Archived from the original on September 5, 2015. Retrieved May 16, 2019.
  5. ^ "NFL Network: On Air Talent: Rich Eisen". NFL.com. Retrieved July 22, 2017.
  6. ^ Rivera, Joe (February 29, 2024). "Why does Rich Eisen run the 40-yard dash? How NFL Network host started a tradition for charity | Sporting News". Sporting News. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
  7. ^ Curtis, Charles (March 2, 2020). "Rich Eisen breaks six seconds in his latest 40-yard dash at the NFL combine". USA Today. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
  8. ^ Schwartz, Nick (February 25, 2014). "Rich Eisen broke the 6-second barrier in the 40-yard dash". USA Today. Retrieved May 16, 2019.
  9. ^ "'Run Rich Run' 40-yard dash to air on NFL Network during 2021 NFL Draft coverage". NFL.com. April 21, 2021. Retrieved December 18, 2022.
  10. ^ St. Jude Children's Research (February 15, 2017). "Rich Eisen honored with the 2017 Pat Summerall Award during Super Bowl LI week at Legends for Charity® Dinner". PR Newswire. Retrieved July 22, 2017.
  11. ^ Strauss, Chris (August 18, 2014). "Rich Eisen is getting a three-hour daily NFL talk show on DirecTV". USA Today. Retrieved June 4, 2023.
  12. ^ "Series Premiere of 'The Rich Eisen Show' to Air Today on DIRECTV and NFL Now". NFL Communications. October 6, 2014. Archived from the original on October 8, 2014. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  13. ^ "FOX Sports Radio & DIRECTV to Bring THE RICH EISEN SHOW to Sports Radio Fans Nationwide". Broadwayworld.com. October 7, 2014. Retrieved October 7, 2014.
  14. ^ Yoder, Matt (October 6, 2014). "Fox Sports Radio will be picking up The Rich Eisen Show". AwfulAnnouncing.com. Retrieved July 22, 2017.
  15. ^ Steinberg, Brian (August 16, 2022). "'Rich Eisen Show' Jumps to Roku From Peacock". Variety.com. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  16. ^ ""Sports Play-by-Play 202". SiriusXM.com. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  17. ^ "NBC Sports Earns 31 Sports Emmy Award Nominations". nbcsportsgrouppressbox.com. April 6, 2022.
  18. ^ "TNT orders first reality competition show". UPI.com. January 6, 2012. Retrieved March 15, 2012.
  19. ^ "MADDEN 21 Face Of The Franchise | CHOOSING A COLLEGE (Rise to Fame Career Mode) Ep 2". Retrieved August 24, 2020 – via YouTube.
  20. ^ @RichEisen (December 22, 2013). "I'm Jewish. RT @AdamPierces @richeisen you looked like you never sat on Santa's lap before" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  21. ^ Jackson, Candace (September 6, 2012). "Home Front: Mixing Young Kids With a Collection". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved May 16, 2019.
  22. ^ "Total Access: The Journey to the Center of the NFL Universe". Barnes & Noble. Retrieved July 22, 2017.
  23. ^ "Punters Are People Too! – NFL Punters & Players Join the Movement". NFL.com. September 27, 2012. Archived from the original on January 22, 2013. Retrieved May 4, 2019.

External links

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