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This October will mark 30 years since John Buccigross made his ESPN debut. Over the past three decades, he's become one of the network's most recognizable voices, anchoring SportsCenter and calling NHL games.
Buccigross joined OutKick this week for a wide-ranging conversation that revealed a side of him many viewers have never seen. He opened up about his divorce, his personal struggles, and how faith helped him through some of the most difficult years of his life.
We also asked him about a popular debate among sports fans: Who belongs on the Mount Rushmore of SportsCenter anchors?
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"Chris Berman is the first name. He built the place," Buccigross said. "He was the everyday sports fan, the king of Middle America. He just loved sports, and that came through every night."
His second choice came just as quickly.
"Keith Olbermann is the other. His intelligence, his writing and his knowledge of history took the show to another level."
From there, Buccigross struggled to narrow the list to just four.
"Man, this is really hard," Buccigross admitted before working through the remaining candidates.
First, he mentioned Craig Kilborn:
"Craig Kilborn was different because he brought comedy. When he came on, it felt like a new artist had arrived. I'd see his name in the opening credits and know I was watching. He was genuinely funny and completely unique."
Then Scott Van Pelt:
"Scott Van Pelt deserves to be in the conversation, too. He's become an outstanding interviewer, maybe the best in the business. His 'One Big Thing' essays are exceptional, and to produce that level of work every night on a solo show is remarkable."
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Then Stuart Scott:
"Obviously, Stuart Scott was a comet. He came along and did the job in a way nobody else had. He became a true pop culture star. People who didn't even watch ESPN knew who Stuart Scott was."
And finally, Dan Patrick:
"Dan Patrick also belongs in the conversation. He had an understated style that never wore on viewers. He made it look effortless, and that's a rare skill."
Eventually, we made Buccigross lock in his final two choices.
"So if you have to narrow it to four, who are the final faces on Mount Rushmore?" I asked.
"Berman and Olbermann are locks," he responded. "Stuart Scott has to be there because of his impact and star power. That fourth spot is the toughest. You can make a case for Dan Patrick, Craig Kilborn or Scott Van Pelt."
After thinking it over, he made his final pick.
"If I'm picking one, I'll go with Scott Van Pelt. His ability to interview people, write essays, read highlights and connect with viewers puts him over the top. He's got the touch."
So, according to John Buccigross, the SportsCenter Mount Rushmore consists of Chris Berman, Keith Olbermann, Stuart Scott and Scott Van Pelt.
Do you agree? Let us know your SportsCenter Mount Rushmore on X at @burackbobby_. Stay tuned to OutKick for more from our interview with John Buccigross in the coming days.
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