We never disputed Joe Benigno’s status as a WFAN legend. But he has his place in the station’s pantheon for a reason, and no one would have argued he was a true ‘FAN immortal.
That all said: Boy, has this unexpected Benigno run been a lot of fun. You figured he was gone to the golf course for good when he retired in 2020. And then he returned last year to work weekends and occasional shifts and now, despite still being semi-retired and thanks in large part to the star-crossed Jets, he has become one of WFAN’s real bright spots. We would even argue he is more entertaining now than he was as a full-time voice.
Benigno shoving Tiki Barber into a locker the other day was the best thing the current afternoon drive program has done. Which is not saying much, but still. Benigno’s apparent buddy-cop routine with Jets coach Robert Saleh has so much potential. His rants are superb as always. And this 70th birthday photo!
The big one today!! Thank you for all the birthday love!! pic.twitter.com/GARhsSefKH
— Joe Benigno (@JoeBenigno_real) September 26, 2023
This belongs in the Smithsonian. The “HOPE” sign is just too perfect.
We always said that Mike Francesa’s best purpose in retirement was to be New York sports’ Tom Brokaw — present when he was needed. We were a bit off, because his podcast has developed into a good product and we are getting just the right amount of the big guy each week. There is room for more Francesa than we initially thought. And now we are getting the exact right amount of Benigno, too. He’s like New York sports’ Bob Hope now. That’s not a perfect comparison, but you get what we mean. Back after this.
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James Kratch can be reached at james.kratch@xlmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @jameskratch.
