Chris Russo
Christopher Michael Russo (born October 18, 1959), also known as "Mad Dog", is an American sports radio personality best known as the former co-host of the Mike and the Mad Dog sports radio program with Mike Francesa,[1] which was broadcast on WFAN in New York City and simulcasted on the YES Network. Russo joined Sirius XM Radio in August 2008 and operates his own channel, Mad Dog Sports Radio. He also hosts an afternoon radio show, Mad Dog Unleashed, SiriusXM Ch. 82 Mad Dog Sports Radio.[2] Russo also joined MLB Network on March 31, 2014 and hosts his own show, High Heat, and as of 2021, co-hosts with Alanna Rizzo. He also frequently appears on ESPN’s First Take. Russo was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame on November 1, 2022.
This article is about the radio host. For the Apprentice 2 candidate, see The Apprentice 2. For the UFO hoaxster, see Morristown UFO hoax.
Chris Russo
October 18, 1959
1984–present
Sirius XM
3 pm – 6 pm ET
American
Background[edit]
Russo was born in Syosset, New York on Long Island.[3] He went to Darrow School in New Lebanon, New York, and Rollins College near Orlando, Florida graduating with a degree in history.[4] He also spent one spring at the Cranleigh School south of London, England (Russo's mother is English) and one semester at the University of Sydney in Australia studying Australian history and literature.
Prior to joining WFAN, Russo worked for WKIS in Orlando between 1984 and 1987 and WMCA in New York City between 1987 and 1988. During his career at WKIS, when it became clear that the people of Central Florida were having difficulty understanding his accent, the station sent him to see a speech therapist twice a week.[5] He received the "Mad Dog" nickname from New York Daily News Sports TV and Radio critic Bob Raissman, who said Russo's approach to radio reminded him of former professional wrestler Maurice Vachon, who was also known as "Mad Dog."[6]
Russo is known for his quick manner of speaking, his whistles, and his trademark greeting of "Good afternoon everybody!"[7] at the start of the Mike and the Mad Dog show. George Vecsey of The New York Times described his voice as "a bizarre mixture of Jerry Lewis, Archie Bunker and Daffy Duck."[8] Russo's voice was also described as "Donald Duck on steroids" by Don Imus.[9]
Personal life[edit]
Russo is the only child of Anthony Michael "Tony" (1931–2013) and Vera "Molly" Russo, from Flushing, Queens and England, respectively. Russo married Jeanne Lavelle on May 6, 1995,[31] and they have four children, Timmy, Kiera, Colin, and Patrick.[32] Colin made his radio debut in his father's old time slot on WFAN on December 30, 2020, cohosting with Sonny Carton, son of long-time host, Craig Carton. Russo resides in New Canaan, Connecticut and is a lifelong, avid San Francisco Giants fan.