John Anderson, a pillar of ESPN’s flagship show “SportsCenter” since 1999, has announced that he will be retiring when his contract runs out in June. During his two-and-a-half-decade run with the network, Anderson has become a familiar face to sports fans across the country. He plans to continue doing various projects for ESPN after leaving “SportsCenter,” including covering track and field events like the Boston Marathon and New York Marathon, as well as NCAA track meets and SEC events. Anderson cited changes in the operation of “SportsCenter” as a contributing factor to his decision to retire, mentioning that he may not have the stamina to continue in the same capacity for much longer.
ESPN hired Anderson from KPHO-TV in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1999 and quickly elevated him to a prominent position as an anchor for “SportsCenter.” Over the years, he has become known for his snappy and knowledgeable dialogue, perfectly embodying the archetype of a “SportsCenter” anchor. In addition to his work on the show, Anderson has also hosted the ABC game show “Wipeout” from 2008 to 2014. He currently anchors the 11 p.m. ET edition of “SportsCenter” and has been a fixture on the show, providing viewers with the latest sports news and highlights.
Anderson’s retirement comes at a time when several longtime hosts of “SportsCenter” have also bid farewell to the show. Neil Everett announced his departure last June, while Sage Steele left the network in August following the settlement of her lawsuit against ESPN. The changing landscape of sports media and the evolving nature of sports programming may have played a role in Anderson’s decision to move on from “SportsCenter.” Despite his decision to retire from the show, Anderson expressed excitement about continuing to cover track and field events and other projects for ESPN, indicating that he is looking forward to this new chapter in his career.
As Anderson prepares to leave “SportsCenter” in June, fans and colleagues alike will undoubtedly miss his presence on the show. His dedication to delivering the latest sports news and his engaging on-air personality have made him a beloved figure in the world of sports media. Throughout his tenure with ESPN, Anderson has remained a consistent and reliable presence on “SportsCenter,” earning the respect of viewers and peers alike. While his retirement will mark the end of an era for the show, Anderson’s lasting impact on sports broadcasting will continue to be felt for years to come.
In reflecting on his decision to retire from “SportsCenter,” Anderson shared his gratitude for the opportunities he has had with ESPN and his excitement for the future. He expressed his appreciation for the support of his colleagues and fans throughout his career, acknowledging the impact they have had on him. As he looks ahead to his next chapter in covering track and field events and other projects for ESPN, Anderson remains committed to delivering top-notch sports coverage and engaging with viewers in new and exciting ways. His departure from “SportsCenter” will leave a void on the show, but Anderson’s legacy as a dedicated and talented sports broadcaster will endure for years to come.
