Chris “Mad Dog” Russo officially gives the New York Yankees the slight edge over the Houston Astros in a potential ALCS. He also discusses Danny Dimes and Tom Coughlin at the Tom Coughlin Gala.
He’s a man who truly needs no introduction.
Chris “Mad Dog” Russo is a legend in the sports broadcasting industry.
Along with Mike Francesca on Mike and the Mad Dog, they practically invented the sports talk radio genre with their afternoon show on the iconic WFAN in New York City from September 1989 to August 2008.
He now serves as a national radio host at Sirius XM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio (3-6 p.m. ET) and High Heat (1-2 p.m. ET) on MLB Network.
Mad Dog was also the host and entertainer for the Tom Coughlin Foundation Gala in New York City. His son Colin was also in attendance too.
With the Giants’ decision to bench Eli Manning for Daniel Jones, any event involving Coughlin and current Giants head coach Pat Shurmur, the Giants all-time leader in passing yards, touchdowns, completions, etc. is going to be at the top of the conversation.
“Probably going to the Hall of Fame,” Russo said when reflecting back on Manning’s career. “Beating Brady and Belichick twice is the most important thing. His career is really defined by five games.”
Manning also ranks top 10 all-time in passing touchdowns yards and completions with the likes of names such as his brother Peyton, Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Brett Favre, etc. All will be first-ballot Hall of Famers.
Moving to the present, current Giants starting quarterback Daniel Jones has looked sharp through his first two regular-season games, as he did during the preseason.
He has five total touchdowns (three passing, two rushings) and two interceptions. Most importantly, the Giants are 2-0 with Jones behind center.
“I didn’t even know that was his nickname,” Mad Dog says with his laugh. “But boy he looks like he’s gonna be a pretty good player. Good move by Shurmur.”
Luckily, Mad Dog’s son Colin knew about the Giants quarterback’s now-famous nickname. He also gave his analysis of Danny Dimes.
Future sports broadcaster? Like father like son.
“I love it. It’s a lot of juice. New York juice. Great athlete. Really pops off with his arm strength and legs.”
You can’t interview Mad Dog without talking about some baseball. Especially with the MLB Playoffs finally here. Nothing like October.
The Yankees went 103-59 in the regular season, clinching the America League East division title and the second-best record in the AL behind the Houston Astros. They’ll take on the Minnesota Twins in the ALDS starting this Friday.
Two years ago, the Bronx Bombers came within one game of the World Series, falling to the Houston Astros in seven games in the ALCS. If that scenario were to play out again, Mad Dog sees it playing out different this time around.
“That Yankees Astros series is gonna be a flip of the coin. Hell of a series. Great seven games. I’ll give the Yankees a slight edge because of their bullpen.”
Yankees fans won’t have any complaints with that, including ESNY readers. It would be their first time clinching the AL pennant in 2009 when they won their 27th and most recent World Series title.
