Legendary ESPN Personality Returned To 'SportsCenter' On Friday
Yesterday at 02:57 PM
ESPN has changed quite a bit over the last several years, as many top analysts and personalities have moved on from the network. Some of those names were laid off and chose to sign with other outlets, while others ended legendary television careers.
One of those names to fit in the latter category is Kenny Mayne, a longtime contributor to "SportsCenter," "NFL Countdown" and other shows on the channel for several years.
Mayne left ESPN in 2021 after nearly 30 years at the channel, but he made his return in a surprising appearance on "SportsCenter" on Friday afternoon.
"Welcome back Kenny Mayne! One of the all-time great SportsCenter anchors is back in studio in Bristol today, joining Randy Scott and Gary Striewski to read some highlights and to talk about his new 'Wiffle Ball' movie."
The documentary made its debut on Fubo Sports, telling the story of Mayne seeking to find out if he could throw a ball faster than Ken Griffey Jr., one of his Seattle sports heroes.
Mayne was a fan favorite on ESPN during his time there, known for his dry humor and signature style of highlight commentary. He's often associated with the golden era of ESPN, joining other anchors who have become household names like Stuart Scott, Scott Van Pelt, Steve Levy, Linda Cohn and John Anderson.
Mayne defined sports coverage for a generation of fans, and many are surely happy to see him back in familiar territory.
If Kenny Mayne is back, then SportsCenter is back pic.twitter.com/U5foTQptB0
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 22, 2024
"I'm back, but just for this show and just for this part of the show," Mayne said on Friday, wearing his Seattle pride with a Mariners jersey.
"It's sort of like when a guy comes in for one day to say he retired as a Seahawk, but I'm not retired. They're trying to retire me, I ain't write back. That's why I'm here to tell you about stuff I am doing...see if I can remember how to do a highlight. Hope it's not Romanian team handball or something weird."
The broadcast then threw to the highlight package from last night's Steelers-Browns game in the snow, giving Mayne one last highlight to run through.
It's a fitting tribute to the great career of one of the most beloved "SportsCenter" anchors of all time.
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