ESPN welcomes back retro introduction for Rich Eisen's epic SportsCenter return

The longtime sports broadcaster made his long-awaited ESPN return Monday after spending over a decade at NFL Network.
ESPN and NFL Network hosts Daniel Jeremiah, Pat McAfee and Rich Eisen during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium
ESPN and NFL Network hosts Daniel Jeremiah, Pat McAfee and Rich Eisen during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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ESPN has seen significant changes over the years with some of the most memorable SportsCenter anchors, but the network welcomed back a legendary broadcaster Monday night and they brought out all the star treatment for his return to their airwaves.

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After 22 years away from ESPN, Rich Eisen made his long-awaited return Monday during his appearance hosting SportsCenter, and it even included the iconic introduction song the show played over two decades ago.

Eisen will have a major role at ESPN after his move back to Bristol, which includes the network making his radio show, The Rich Eisen Show, one of the marquee streaming programs alongside The Pat McAfee Show.

The longtime anchor kicked off his debut show with a solo act discussing the preseason NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Washington Commanders.

"Hey there ... saying this for the first time in 22 years," Eisen said. "Welcome to SportsCenter, alongside all of you."

Eisen also gave a heartfelt tribute to his late friend and fellow SportsCenter anchor, Stuart Scott, who lost his battle with cancer back in 2015. The two ESPN mainstays spent years at the network together while building a strong friendship.

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