Chris Russo

About Chris Russo

Christopher Michael Russo (born October 18, 1959), known as the "Mad Dog," is an American sports radio personality who is best known as the former co-host of the widely popular Mike and the Mad Dog sports radio show with Mike Francesa, which was broadcast on WFAN (AM) in New York City and simulcast on the YES Network. Russo currently joins Sirius XM to host his own afternoon radio show, The Mad Dog Sports Show.

Russo was born in Syosset, New York. He went to Darrow School in New Lebanon, New York, and Rollins College near Orlando, Florida with a degree in history. He also spent one spring at the Cranleigh School south of London, England (Russo's mother is English) and one semester at Sydney University in Australia studying Australian history and literature.

Russo has wanted to be a broadcaster since he was a child. Prior to joining WFAN, Russo worked for WKIS in Orlando, Florida between 1984 and 1987 and WMCA in New York City between 1987 and 1988. During his career at WKIS, when it became clear that the people of Central Florida were having trouble understanding his accent, the station sent him to see a speech therapist twice a week. He got the "Mad Dog" nickname from New York Daily News Sports TV and Radio critic Bob Raissman.