After more than three decades behind the desk, ESPN announced Monday that Linda Cohn — the network’s longest-serving SportsCenter anchor — will officially step away from the job on June 30.
At 66 years old, Cohn holds a record no one else at ESPN can claim: she has hosted more editions of SportsCenter than any anchor in the show’s history. The milestone was formally recognized back in 2016 when she anchored her 5,000th episode of the flagship program.
Her farewell broadcasts are set for Friday, with final appearances during the 6 p.m., 10 p.m., and 11 p.m. ET editions of the show.
Reflecting on her career, Cohn said, “I’ve always said I was a fan first and I’ve always tried to keep that top of mind when I was doing ‘SportsCenter’ or anything else. But what I’m most proud of is that my career lasted long enough for me to see little girls grow up watching ‘SportsCenter,’ enter this business, and succeed in it.”
Cohn’s broadcasting journey began in 1981, when she worked as a radio news anchor, writer, and sports reporter on her native Long Island, New York. She came aboard ESPN in July 1992, anchoring her very first SportsCenter on July 11 of that year. In recent years, she had been a regular presence on the late-night edition of the show.
Throughout her tenure, Cohn proved herself a versatile broadcaster — taking on roles as a reporter, commentator, interviewer, writer, play-by-play caller, and contributor to the network’s hockey coverage. She was also a familiar face in many of ESPN’s beloved “This is ‘SportsCenter’” advertising spots.
“I’m grateful for every moment I had at ESPN, but I’m inspired and energized by the opportunities that lie ahead,” Cohn said. “My story is still being written.”
In 2017, Cohn was inducted into the National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame, cementing her place among the most respected figures in sports broadcasting.
Burke Magnus, ESPN President of Content, praised her legacy in a statement: “Linda Cohn is a legend and a major part of the history of ESPN. She has brought enthusiasm, personality and her love of sports to our audience for more than 30 years and her contributions to ESPN both in front of and behind the camera would make a very long list. We wish her all the best in her retirement and sincerely thank her.”
