Linda Cohn to retire from ESPN after 34 years, 5,000+ ‘SportsCenters’

Linda Cohn, ESPN's longest-tenured "SportsCenter" anchor, will retire on June 30, the network announced Monday.

Cohn, 66, has anchored more editions of "SportsCenter" than anyone in ESPN history. She was honored in 2016 for her 5,000th edition of the network's signature show.

Her final appearances will be during the 6 p.m., 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET editions on Friday.

"I've always said I was a fan first and I've always tried to keep that top of mind when I was doing 'SportsCenter' or anything else," Cohn said. "But what I'm most proud of is that my career lasted long enough for me to see little girls grow up watching 'SportsCenter,' enter this business, and succeed in it."

Cohn began her career in broadcasting in 1981 as a radio news anchor, writer and sports reporter in her native Long Island, N.Y.

She joined ESPN in July of 1992 and hosted her first "SportsCenter" on July 11, 1992. She most recently regularly anchored the late-night edition.

She showed her versatility over the years by reporting, commentating, interviewing, writing, calling play-by-play and contributing to hockey coverage. She also appeared in many of the network's memorable "This is ‘SportsCenter'" TV commercials.

"I'm grateful for every moment I had at ESPN, but I'm inspired and energized by the opportunities that lie ahead," said Cohn. "My story is still being written."

Cohn was inducted into the National Sports Media Association (NSMA) Hall of Fame in 2017.

"Linda Cohn is a legend and a major part of the history of ESPN," said Burke Magnus, ESPN President, Content. "She has brought enthusiasm, personality and her love of sports to our audience for more than 30 years and her contributions to ESPN both in front of and behind the camera would make a very long list. We wish her all the best in her retirement and sincerely thank her."

--Field Level Media