ESPN’s Berman Out As NFL Studio Host [VIDEO]

Chris Berman is stepping away from his role as ESPN's primary NFL studio host after 31 years. That includes hosting NFL Countdown, Primetime and Monday Night Countdown.

Berman has signed a contract extension to stay with ESPN and will be on-air with other roles.

No replacement has been named by ESPN.

Berman came to ESPN in 1979 as the network was just getting started. He was one the original SportsCenter anchors.

ESPN issued this release on the Berman role change...

"Chris is one of a kind," said ESPN president John Skipper. "His innovation, passion, preparation and on-air acumen have helped define ESPN. He wrote the book on delivering highlights which still serves as the standard to this day. ESPN's mission is to serve fans. No one has done that with greater resonance than Chris and his dramatic connection to fans played a significant role in establishing a successful ESPN. We look forward to Chris's continuing contributions while understanding that his place on our Mount Rushmore is assured."