What is Chris Russo’s Net Worth and Salary?
Chris Russo, also known as “Mad Dog,” is an American sports radio personality with a net worth of $22 million. He is famous for co-hosting the sports radio show “Mike and the Mad Dog” with Mike Francesa on WFAN in New York City.
Early Life and Career
Christopher Michael Russo was born on October 18, 1959, in Syosset, New York. He graduated from Rollins College with a degree in history and also studied abroad in England and Australia. Prior to joining WFAN, Chris worked for stations in Orlando and New York.
WFAN Career
Chris joined WFAN in 1988 as an overnight and weekend host. He caught the attention of radio legend Don Imus, who brought him on as his sports reporter and eventually helped him get his own weekend show on WFAN.
Mike and the Mad Dog Reunite
Chris Russo joined Mike Francesa to launch “Mike and the Mad Dog” on WFAN in 1989. The show lasted until 2009 when Chris decided to pursue other opportunities. Despite rumors of a feud between the two hosts, Chris denied any animosity and explained his departure as a desire to do something different. In 2009, the duo reunited for a show at Yankee Stadium, and again in 2016 for a show at Radio City Music Hall.
Chris Russo signs $15M contract with Sirius XM
Chris Russo signed a five-year contract with Sirius XM on August 19, 2008, to host a show called “Mad Dog Unleashed” on the new sports talk radio channel called “Mad Dog Radio.” The deal was worth $3 million per year for a total of $15 million. He would sign a similar three-year deal again in 2013.
Chris Russo’s MLB Network Show “High Heat” Continues Without Producer
Chris Russo’s deal with Sirius XM included daily hosting of the MLB Network TV show “High Heat” starting on March 31, 2014. He signed a new three-year contract in September of 2016 and renewed the contract for four more years in April of 2019. The show’s producer, Bruce Schein, who appeared on-air daily, was let go by MLB Network in February of 2021. Despite this change, “High Heat” continues with Chris Russo as the host.
Chris Russo’s Career and Personal Life
Aside from his successful career in radio, Chris Russo is also an accomplished author. He has written two books, “The Mad Dog 100: The Greatest Sports Arguments of All Time” and “The Mad Dog Hall of Fame: The Ultimate Top-Ten Rankings of the Best in Sports.”
Chris Russo married Jeanne Lavelle on May 6, 1995, and the couple has four children together named Timmy, Kiera, Colin, and Patrick. In December of 2020, Chris’s son Colin made his radio debut in his father’s old time slot on WFAN along with co-host Sonny Carton, the son of longtime host Craig Carton.
Chris Russo currently resides in New Canaan, Connecticut.
