Chris Berman's new ESPN deal will allow him to hit major benchmark

The personalities at ESPN have ebbed and flowed through the years, but Chris Berman has remained a staple.

The man nicknamed "Boomer" has been with the four-letter network since 1979. ESPN launched in September 1979, and Berman joined the network a month after its initial launch.

It's now being reported by the network itself that Berman has signed an extension with the company that will keep him on ESPN airwaves through his 50th anniversary. His extension runs through 2029, meaning he'll be the first ESPN employee to hit the 50-year benchmark. 

Berman turned 70 just a few days ago. He'll be 74 when he hits the 50-year milestone.

"It is mind-blowing to think that I now have the opportunity and good fortune to work here for 50 years, which would be two-thirds of my entire life!" he said in the announcement report.

"For a remarkable half-century, Chris has embodied ESPN with his smart and entertaining style," ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said. "Boomer's enjoyment of sports jumps through the screen and generations of fans have loved being along for the ride."

Notably, ESPN is planning on having Berman play a role in the coverage of the Super Bowl in 2027. 

It will be the first time the network will broadcast the big game, but Berman has plenty of experience in covering it. He's covered 45 Super Bowls in one way or another and hosted pregame shows for ABC in 2000, 2003 and 2006.

"No studio broadcaster has meant more to NFL coverage than Chris and to have his presence on our first Super Bowl presentation is both apropos and significant," Pitaro said.

Berman was a part of ESPN's Sunday NFL pregame show for 31 years. He's been a stable on "NFL PrimeTime," a host on "SportsCenter" and he's also well known as the voice of ESPN's MLB and golf coverage as well.