Mike Francesa

Now well into his third decade in afternoon drive, Mike Francesa has firmly established himself as the most successful sports talk host in the history of radio. For 19 years, Mike teamed with Christopher Russo on the iconic “Mike and the Mad Dog” program. “Mike and the Mad Dog” was widely recognized as the most celebrated sports radio program ever. As the cornerstone of WFAN’s all-sports format, they revolutionized an industry.

Since 2008, his afternoon program, heard weekdays on WFAN from 1-6:30 p.m. and simulcast via the YES Network, has grown to even greater heights. He also hosts the highly rated “NFL Now” on Sundays, which will enter it’s 27th season next fall.

Mike captured the Marconi Award as “Major Market Personality” in 2000 and again in 2012. He joined a very select list of multiple Marconi winners and was the first sportscaster to ever earn radio’s biggest honor more than once.

Both Talkers Magazine and Radio Ink recognized Mike as the No. 1 sports talk host in the country, and Talkers ranked Mike the 35th most important personality in radio history. This honor grows in stature when it is noted that Howard Cosell was the only other sports figure in the top 75.

It was recently announced that Francesa has agreed to a long-term contract extension with WFAN. “Mike has earned his place in radio history as a great broadcaster and we’re thrilled to continue our relationship with sports radio’s most celebrated host,” stated CBS Radio President and CEO Dan Mason.

The St. John’s University graduate resides on Long Island with his wife, Roe, and their three children, Jack, Emily and Harrison.