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12 unusual facts about Chris Berman


Abdul-Karim al-Jabbar

The name controversy was periodically spoofed on postgame recaps, such as in 1996 when Chris Berman of ESPN called an Abdul-Jabbar touchdown rush with an imitation of Marv Albert, who was famous for announcing basketball as well as football games.

Billy Sims

He was given the nickname "Kung Fu Billy Sims" by ESPN's Chris Berman, after a game where the Detroit Lions played the Houston Oilers.

Charles Way

Charles Christopher Way, also known as Charles "Get Out of My" Way (born December 27, 1972) (bestowed onto him by Chris Berman)is a former professional American football fullback in the National Football League for five seasons for the New York Giants.

Eric Bieniemy

ESPN broadcaster Chris Berman gave him the nickname "Eric 'sleeping with' Bieniemy", in reference to the 1991 film Sleeping with the Enemy.

Frank Tanana

He was given the nickname "Frank Tanana Daiquiri" by broadcaster Chris Berman of ESPN.

Maribeth Monroe

In fall 2012, she appeared in Applebees commercials with ESPN host Chris Berman.

Norris Division

As part of his shtick, ESPN's Chris Berman often refers to the National Football League's NFC North division (previously the NFC Central division) as the Norris Division or "NFC Norris" since the two divisions included teams from three of the same cities: Chicago, Detroit, and Minneapolis–St. Paul.

Ricky Watters

Watters was known throughout his playing career for his outstanding receiving skills and his unique high-step running style, which earned him the nickname Ricky "Running" Watters, from ESPN sportcaster Chris Berman.

Scott Secules

He may be best known for the nickname Scott "Won't You Let Me Take You on a" Secules given to him by ESPN broadcaster Chris Berman.

Sunday NFL Countdown

Chris Berman has been the studio host for the show's entire run.

Vincent Brisby

A 6'3", 193 lb. wide receiver from Northeast Louisiana University (now called University of Louisiana at Monroe), Brisby played eight NFL seasons from 1993 to 2000 for the Patriots and New York Jets. He was given the name Vincent "Ultimate" Brisby by ESPN analyst Chris Berman.

Wally Joyner

Additionally, ESPN announcer Chris Berman famously called him Wally "Absorbine" Joyner, a nickname that stuck.


ESPN Integration

Their ESPN NFL 2K5 game featured total ESPN integration, complete with authentic music, graphics, rendered sets, pre-half-and post game commentary by Chris Berman, and Sunday Night Football telecast crew.

Mendoza Line

"Then they were giving George Brett a hard time because he had a slow start that year, so they told him, 'Hey, man, you're going to sink down below the Mendoza Line if you're not careful.' And then Brett mentioned it to Chris Berman from ESPN, and eventually it spread and became a part of the game."

Scott Brosius

He was given the nickname Scott Supercalifragilisticexpiali-Brosius by Chris Berman and "Brosius the Ferocious" by Yankees radio announcer John Sterling.