After 14 years working at ESPN hosting a number of popular podcasts, Ryen Russillo will be leaving the Worldwide Leader to join another castoff of the network: Bill Simmons
Russillo had already been working with The Ringer on a part-time basis while still hosting “The Russillo Show” podcast on ESPN and there had been talks about expanding his role, The New York Post’s Andrew Marchand reported last week.
But, apparently, those talks didn’t pan out in ESPN’s favor as the 44-year-old will be leaving the network for greener pastures.
“This is not an anti-ESPN move,” Russillo told Sports Business Journal. “It’s a pro-Ringer one. I have wanted to pursue other things for a while, and Bill gave me this opportunity.”
At The Ringer, Russillo will do his “Dual Threat” football podcast being increased three times a week during the NFL season and two times a week out of season. He will also be a guest on Simmons’ podcast from February through July and appear on other Ringer podcasts as well.
“I thought Ryen was one of my most talented co-workers when we worked together at ESPN, and I’ve been just as impressed these last 12 months with how easily he fit into everything we’re doing at The Ringer,” Simmons said in a statement. “He’s a proven multi-media personality and a first-class talent, he’s a truly authentic voice, and he’s unafraid to keep trying new things. We’re delighted we could deepen our relationship with him – I absolutely love working with him. I’m gonna fight off the urge to compare this moment to The Rock joining the cast of Fast Five.”
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