Net Worth Ranker
What Is Chris Russo’s Net Worth?
Chris Russo, a prominent American sports radio personality, has accumulated a substantial net worth of $22 million. His financial success stems primarily from his long and successful career in radio broadcasting and television. Russo’s journey to financial prominence began with his co-hosting role on “Mike and the Mad Dog,” a highly popular sports radio show on WFAN in New York City. This platform catapulted him into the limelight and laid the foundation for his future earnings.
One of the significant milestones in Chris Russo’s career was his move to Sirius XM Radio in August 2008. This transition marked a new chapter in his career, where he not only hosted his own afternoon show, “Mad Dog Unleashed,” but also oversaw an entire channel dedicated to sports talk, aptly named Mad Dog Sports Radio. This expanded role significantly contributed to his income and solidified his position as a leading figure in sports radio.
Chris Russo’s Salary Details
Chris Russo’s financial trajectory saw a significant boost when he joined Sirius XM Radio. In 2008, he signed a lucrative five-year deal worth $15 million. This contract translated to an annual salary of $3 million, a testament to his market value and the demand for his unique broadcasting style. In 2013, he secured another similar deal, further cementing his financial stability. His current annual salary from Sirius is estimated to be around $5 million, reflecting his continued success and the evolving landscape of sports media.
Early Life and Career Beginnings of Chris Russo
Christopher Michael Russo was born on October 18, 1959, in Syosset, New York. He is the only child of Anthony Michael “Tony” Russo (from Flushing, Queens) and Vera “Molly” Russo (from England). Chris’s early life and education played a crucial role in shaping his career path. He attended Darrow School in New Lebanon, New York, before pursuing higher education at Rollins College near Orlando, Florida, where he earned a degree in history. In his quest for knowledge and cultural experiences, he spent a semester at the Cranleigh School south of London, England, and another at the University of Sydney in Australia to study Australian history and literature. Prior to joining WFAN, Chris worked for a station in Orlando for three years and for a different New York station for another three years. While he was in Florida, listeners reportedly had trouble understanding his thick accent and quick way of speaking. When he joined WFAN in 1988, he was an overnight and weekend host. Russo soon caught the ear of radio legend Don Imus, who brought Chris in to be his sports reporter. Imus eventually helped Russo get his own weekend show on WFAN that aired on Saturday mornings.
“Mike and the Mad Dog” Era
Chris Russo’s career took a decisive turn when he was paired with Mike Francesa to launch “Mike and the Mad Dog” on September 5, 1989. This collaboration proved to be a resounding success, propelling both personalities to national recognition. The show aired on WFAN in New York City from 1989 to 2008. At its peak, the show was simulcast on the Yes Network TV station and several other radio stations around the country.The show’s format, characterized by lively debates and insightful sports commentary, resonated with a wide audience, establishing “Mike and the Mad Dog” as a dominant force in sports radio. The program became a staple for sports enthusiasts, with its popularity leading to simulcasts on the Yes Network TV station and various radio stations nationwide. This widespread reach significantly amplified Russo’s visibility and contributed to his growing net worth. The “Mike and the Mad Dog” show ran until 2009, when Chris decided he wanted to go in a different direction. It was rumored that Mike and Chris strongly disliked each other, but Russo denied the sentiment, saying it was all about wanting to do something different. On October 16, 2009, Russo joined Francesca for a reunion show at Yankee Stadium. On March 30, 2016, the pair reunited again for a “Mike and the Mad Dog” show at Radio City Music Hall.
“Mad Dog Unleashed” and MLB Network’s “High Heat”
On August 19, 2008, Russo embarked on a new venture by signing a five-year contract with Sirius XM to host “Mad Dog Unleashed” on the newly established Mad Dog Radio sports talk channel. His responsibilities further expanded to include hosting “High Heat” on MLB Network, starting on March 31, 2014. In September 2016, he signed a new three-year contract and then renewed it for four more years in April 2019. In February 2021, Chris announced that MLB Network had let go of the show’s producer, Bruce Schein, who appeared on-air daily. These roles not only augmented his income but also broadened his influence and reach within the sports media landscape. These ventures demonstrate Russo’s versatility and adaptability, enabling him to connect with audiences across different platforms and mediums, further solidifying his position in the industry.
Chris Russo’s Literary Ventures
Beyond his broadcasting career, Chris Russo has also ventured into writing, publishing 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.” These books showcase his deep knowledge of sports history and his engaging storytelling abilities. While the exact sales figures and royalties earned from these books are not publicly available, they undoubtedly contributed to his overall income and enhanced his reputation as a multifaceted sports personality. These literary endeavors highlight Russo’s intellectual curiosity and his ability to connect with audiences through different mediums, adding another dimension to his professional profile.
Personal Life and Family
Chris Russo married Jeanne Lavelle on May 6, 1995. They have four children together, Timmy, Kiera, Colin, and Patrick. His son Colin made his radio debut in his old time slot on WFAN in December 2020 along with co-host Sonny Carton, the son of longtime host Craig Carton. Chris resides in New Canaan, Connecticut. While specific details about his personal investments and assets, such as real estate holdings or luxury vehicles, are not publicly disclosed, it can be inferred that his financial success has allowed him to enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle.
