The Arizona Diamondbacks ended the Philadelphia Phillies’ season on Tuesday night. The D-Backs also potentially ended the career of one ESPN personality — if he stays true to his word, that is.
Chris “Mad Dog” Russo made a bold declaration Monday on his SiriusXM radio show. The longtime sports radio voice put his career on the line against the Diamondbacks’ chances to make the World Series. He declared that he would “retire on the spot” if the Diamondbacks were to complete a series comeback against the Phillies.
“I’ve been wrong on Arizona from Day 1,” said Russo. “A, I’m stunned they beat Milwaukee, I thought they’d get swept by the Dodgers. I never thought they’d even go back to Philly for a Game 6.
“I’ll try it one more time: I would not be stunned if they won [Monday night], I would be floored. I’ll say this right now — If they win the next two days, they win the next two games and win this series in seven games, if they win, I will retire on the spot.”
Russo even doubled down on his promise after the Diamondbacks won Game 6.
“I stand by my promise!” Russo posted Tuesday on X just hours before Game 7.
I stand by my promise! https://t.co/Yr9JpgXVnL pic.twitter.com/wAYeZihmuA
— Chris Mad Dog Russo (@MadDogUnleashed) October 24, 2023
As fate would have it, the Diamondbacks did pull off a 4-2 win in Game 7. Russo was left speechless following the result. He posted three “downcast face with sweat” emojis on X. He also posted a GIF of a man holding a glass of wine with the caption, “Enjoy your retirement.”
😓 😓 😓
— Chris Mad Dog Russo (@MadDogUnleashed) October 25, 2023
— Chris Mad Dog Russo (@MadDogUnleashed) October 25, 2023
Russo is best known for his sports radio show on WFAN called “Mike and the Mad Dog” alongside Mike Francesa. The show garnered massive success during its run from 1989 to 2008. The show even got its own feature on ESPN’s “30 for 30”.
The pair split up in 2008 as Russo made the move to SiriusXM. He also co-hosts the show “High Heat” on the MLB Network and serves as a panelist on different ESPN shows.
The 64-year-old’s “High Heat” co-host Alanna Rizzo and Diamondbacks head coach Torey Lovullo have both dunked on Russo since the conclusion of the NLCS.
"I'm expecting to have to host the show tomorrow by myself." – Alanna Rizzo, who co-hosts "High Heat" with Chris Russo 😂 pic.twitter.com/BqJ4jFVLuD
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 25, 2023
D-backs manager Torey Lovullo is aware that Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo said he’ll retire if the Diamondbacks beat the Phillies in Game 7, and says, ‘I’m looking forward to that.’
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 24, 2023
It remains to be seen if Russo will follow through with his promise.
