Linda Cohn is taking one for the road.
The longtime “SportsCenter” host — who has anchored more episodes of the flagship ESPN show — will officially retire from the network on June 30 after making her final appearances during the 6 p.m., 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. editions.
Cohn hosted her first-ever “SportsCenter” on July 11, 1992, at 2 a.m. In 2016, she anchored her 5,000th episode.
“When I look back, I have amazing memories of the shows I hosted, the games I reported on, the athletes I met, and the outstanding colleagues I got to work with,” Cohn, who began her career in 1981 when she frequently appeared on Long Island radio as a news anchor and sports reporter, said in a press release.
“I’ve always said I was a fan first, and I’ve always tried to keep that top of mind when I was doing ‘SportsCenter’ or anything else. But what I’m most proud of is that my career lasted long enough for me to see little girls grow up watching ‘SportsCenter,’ enter this business, and succeed in it. If my journey helped make that path a little easier for them, then that’s the achievement I’ll cherish most.”
Cohn, 66, also played an integral role in ESPN’s hockey coverage throughout the years, making the most of her tears playing collegiately at Oswego State.
“Linda Cohn is a legend and a major part of the history of ESPN,” ESPN President of Content Burke Magnus said in a statement. “She has brought enthusiasm, personality and her love of sports to our audience for more than 30 years and her contributions to ESPN both in front of and behind the camera would make a very long list. We wish her all the best in her retirement and sincerely thank her.”
As a start for its thanks, ESPN will three special SportsCenter programs on June 26 with Cohn as the focal point and her final feature for the network will come as part of live NHL draft coverage.
In 2017, Cohn was elected to the National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame, cementing her legendary 34-year career with the network.
“I’m grateful for every moment I had at ESPN, but I’m inspired and energized by the opportunities that lie ahead,” Cohn said. “My story is still being written.”
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
