Chris Berman Leaves NFL Post at ESPN

Chris Berman will no longer be the bombastic face of ESPN’s NFL programming after this year’s Super Bowl, the long-time broadcaster announced Thursday afternoon. Berman, perhaps most famous for his “Swami Sez” predictions and his use of over-the-top, colorful phrases for big sports moments (“Back! Back! Back!” for home runs, for instance), will remain with the network in a reduced capacity. “I’m thrilled that this ride will continue, albeit differently,” Berman, 61, wrote in a statement. “Today’s announcement allows me to fulfill perhaps my final professional goal–knowing that I will finish with the team I came in with.” Berman has been with ESPN since it began operating in 1979.