Christopher Michael Russo (born October 18, 1959), known as “Mad Dog,” is an American sports radio personality. He was the co-host of the popular Mike and the Mad Dog show with Mike Francesa on WFAN New York and the YES Network.
In August 2008, Russo joined Sirius XM Radio, launching Mad Dog Sports Radio and hosting Mad Dog Unleashed. He joined MLB Network in 2014, hosting High Heat until 2024. Russo often appears on ESPN’s First Take and was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2022.
RELATED: Vanessa Carlton Net Worth: A Thousand Miles to Wealth
Table of Contents
Chris Russo Net Worth
Chris Russo has a net worth of $22 million. He is best known as “Mad Dog” from his time at Sirius XM. His deal included hosting High Heat, a daily MLB Network TV show that debuted on March 31, 2014, and was simulcast on MLB Network Radio.
He signed a three-year contract in September 2016, then a four-year renewal in April 2019. On February 15, 2021, Russo announced that producer Bruce Schein was let go. After the 2024 MLB season, the show was cancelled by the network.
Early life
Christopher Russo was born in Syosset, New York on Long Island. He attended Darrow School in New Lebanon, New York, and graduated from Rollins College near Orlando, Florida with a history degree. He also studied at Cranleigh School in England and the University of Sydney in Australia.
Before WFAN, Russo worked at WKIS Orlando (1984–1987) and WMCA New York (1987–1988). His “Mad Dog” nickname came from critic Bob Raissman, comparing him to wrestler Maurice Vachon. Russo is known for his quick speech, whistles, and his greeting, “Good afternoon everybody!“
Career
Christopher Russo joined WFAN in December 1988 as an overnight, weekend, and fill-in host. Don Imus brought him onto Imus in the Morning as a sports reporter and helped promote his “Mad Dog” nickname. In 1989, Russo got his own weekend show.
When Pete Franklin’s drive-time show ended, Russo was paired with Mike Francesa to launch Mike and the Mad Dog on September 5, 1989. Russo left WFAN in August 2008 by mutual agreement. They reunited for shows in 2009 and 2016.
Personal life
Christopher Russo is the only child of Anthony Michael “Tony” Russo (1931–2013) from Flushing, Queens and Vera “Molly” Russo from England. He married Jeanne Lavelle on May 6, 1995, and they have four children: Timmy, Kiera, Colin, and Patrick.
Colin made his radio debut on WFAN in 2020, cohosting with Sonny Carton, son of Craig Carton. Kiera graduated from University of Notre Dame and writes the blog “A Penny For My Thoughts.” Russo lives in New Canaan, Connecticut, and is a lifelong San Francisco Giants fan.
Why is Chris Russo called Mad Dog?
Russo’s “Mad Dog” nickname stems from his loud, passionate, and sometimes out-of-control broadcasting style, which caught the attention of New York Daily News Sports TV and Radio critic Bob Raissman.
Conclusion
Chris Russo, with his distinctive voice and fervent approach to sports commentary, has carved a niche in the broadcasting world. His journey from a local radio personality to a national sports radio icon, coupled with his significant net worth, showcases his impact on the industry and his continuing legacy among sports fans.
FAQs about Chris Russo
- What led to the breakup of “Mike and the Mad Dog”?
- The split was attributed to a souring relationship between Russo and Francesa in Spring 2008, leading to Russo’s departure from WFAN.
- What does Chris Russo do now?
- Russo hosts “Mad Dog Unleashed” on SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio and appears on MLB Network, among other media engagements.
- Has Chris Russo won any awards?
- Chris Russo was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame on November 1, 2022, acknowledging his contributions to sports radio.
- What makes Chris Russo’s broadcasting style unique?
- Russo is known for his energetic, passionate delivery, and distinctive voice, which have made him a memorable and influential figure in sports radio.
- How did Chris Russo start in the radio industry?
- Russo began his career in radio broadcasting after college, working for stations in Orlando and New York City before joining WFAN and gaining national fame.
