Legendary sportscaster Dan Patrick recently discussed his reasons for leaving ESPN and his plans to retire by the end of 2027.
Patrick, who began his career at ESPN in 1989 as an anchor for SportsCenter, quickly became one of the network’s most recognizable faces, often working alongside Keith Olbermann. At ESPN, Patrick covered major sporting events such as the World Series, NBA Finals, and Winter Olympics. He hosted The Dan Patrick Show on ESPN Radio from 1999 to 2007. Patrick left ESPN in 2007 to pursue new opportunities, eventually starting his nationally syndicated radio show and partnering with NBC Sports for Football Night in America.
During a candid discussion on Dan Dakich’s “Don’t @ Me” show on OutKick, Patrick shared the moment he realized he needed to leave ESPN. “One day, I was doing the 6 o’clock SportsCenter, and I remember throwing it out to Sal Paolantonio with the Eagles. I wasn’t listening to anything he was saying because, in my mind, I was thinking, ‘I am going through the motions here. I am not getting any better.’
Dan Patrick recalled the evening he confided in his wife about his doubts regarding his future at ESPN. This moment of clarity motivated him to take a different direction, embracing the unknown. “That’s when I decided to leave. I needed a challenge, so we ran the show from my attic for three years. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was necessary to reignite my passion,” he said.
The decision to leave ESPN was also influenced by the network’s changing environment. Patrick described ESPN as an “echo chamber” with tightly controlled topics and analysts. He felt stifled creatively, especially after Disney’s acquisition, which made the atmosphere less fun. He explained, “After Disney’s acquisition, the environment became more restrictive and less enjoyable. I felt stagnant, as if I wasn’t advancing or improving.”
Reflecting on his decision, Patrick emphasized the importance of family. “I thought I had been selfish to get to this point, and I didn’t want to continue to be selfish to my family,” he said, noting that his career had kept him away from his children during their formative years. His wife’s perspective helped him realize what he was missing at home.
Since leaving ESPN, Patrick has enjoyed a successful career, including launching his show and partnering with Full Sail University to open the Dan Patrick School of Broadcasting. Despite initial skepticism about his departure, he has become a respected sports media figure known for his innovative approach and dedication to nurturing new talent.
Looking ahead, Patrick revealed on his show that he intends to retire by the end of 2027. He mentioned that he expects to continue working for another three+ years until December and emphasized that the profession is suited for younger individuals. Despite enjoying his work, he stated that he is the oldest in the field and assured his audience that he would retire by the specified date, advising them to plan accordingly.
Dan Dakich praised Patrick for being a trailblazer, noting that few leave ESPN unless asked to. Patrick’s journey is a testament to taking risks for personal growth and valuing family, leaving a lasting legacy in sports broadcasting.