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Rich Eisen Blinks Back Tears Honoring the Late Stuart Scott on Emotional Return to SportsCenter originally appeared on Parade.
For seven years sportscasters Rich Eisen and the late Stuart Scott were the most beloved anchors on ESPN'S SportsCenter. Fans lived for their insightful commentary, playful banter and wealth of sports knowledge. On Monday April 18th, Eisen returned to SportsCenter 22 years after his departure thanks to ESPN's broadcast deal acquisition of the NFL Network, where Eisen has called home since 2003.
Fans were delighted to have Eisen back, but were somber over the noticeable absence of Scott. As the program wound down, Eisen spent his last few moments of airtime remembering his colleague and friend.
"It has been a blast being here tonight, but, listen; we all know there should be someone else right here in this chair next to me right there as he was for my seven years in the role he referred to as my "tv wife" and that's my dear late friend Stuart Scott who is indeed looking over my shoulder tonight," he said, tears threatening to spill over as he pointed to the screen behind him featuring a large photo of him.
Eisen went on to wonder aloud what Scott would have thought of the many sports milestones that have happened since he died, including Eisen's new partnership between ESPN and his daily show NFL GameDay Morning.
"I could go on and on because I miss Stewart so very much," he continued, getting more choked up. "He should be in that chair with me, with us tonight."
Fans expressed their sympathy and their own grief in the comments.
"Growing up with a lazy eye, I didn’t have many role models," confessed one follower. "Thought I was a freak (and kids made me feel that way) but every night watching Stuart Scott when I was a teenager helped tremendously. He gave me confidence and he was and will always be cooler than the other side of the pillow."
"Rich Eisen nothing but class! Who's cutting onions," added another.
Eisen originally left SportsCenter in 2003 to join the NFL Network, while Scott stayed on.
Scott was sadly diagnosed with appendiceal cancer in 2007. His battle against the disease included rigorous and draining rounds of chemotherapy and resulted in a hopeful remission. However in 2011 and 2013 his cancer returned.
In 2014 Scott was honored at the ESPY awards with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance where he famously said:
"When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live."
It was his last public appearance; he tragically died months later in 2015.
Eisen's return to SportCenter this week is just the beginning. Since the new partnership, Eisen will likely return to his roots routinely, in addition to his NFL Network work and upcoming projects. The deal will allow him to make appearances on the show from time to time.
The appearance came weeks before his impending Sept 2 debut of The Rich Eisen Show on Disney and ESPN platforms which was originally announced in May.
SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox
Rich Eisen Blinks Back Tears Honoring the Late Stuart Scott on Emotional Return to SportsCenter first appeared on Parade on Aug 20, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Continue reading...
For seven years sportscasters Rich Eisen and the late Stuart Scott were the most beloved anchors on ESPN'S SportsCenter. Fans lived for their insightful commentary, playful banter and wealth of sports knowledge. On Monday April 18th, Eisen returned to SportsCenter 22 years after his departure thanks to ESPN's broadcast deal acquisition of the NFL Network, where Eisen has called home since 2003.
Fans were delighted to have Eisen back, but were somber over the noticeable absence of Scott. As the program wound down, Eisen spent his last few moments of airtime remembering his colleague and friend.
"It has been a blast being here tonight, but, listen; we all know there should be someone else right here in this chair next to me right there as he was for my seven years in the role he referred to as my "tv wife" and that's my dear late friend Stuart Scott who is indeed looking over my shoulder tonight," he said, tears threatening to spill over as he pointed to the screen behind him featuring a large photo of him.
Eisen went on to wonder aloud what Scott would have thought of the many sports milestones that have happened since he died, including Eisen's new partnership between ESPN and his daily show NFL GameDay Morning.
"I could go on and on because I miss Stewart so very much," he continued, getting more choked up. "He should be in that chair with me, with us tonight."
Fans expressed their sympathy and their own grief in the comments.
"Growing up with a lazy eye, I didn’t have many role models," confessed one follower. "Thought I was a freak (and kids made me feel that way) but every night watching Stuart Scott when I was a teenager helped tremendously. He gave me confidence and he was and will always be cooler than the other side of the pillow."
"Rich Eisen nothing but class! Who's cutting onions," added another.
Eisen originally left SportsCenter in 2003 to join the NFL Network, while Scott stayed on.
What happened to Stuart Scott?
Scott was sadly diagnosed with appendiceal cancer in 2007. His battle against the disease included rigorous and draining rounds of chemotherapy and resulted in a hopeful remission. However in 2011 and 2013 his cancer returned.
In 2014 Scott was honored at the ESPY awards with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance where he famously said:
"When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live."
It was his last public appearance; he tragically died months later in 2015.
Is Rich Eisen officially back on ESPN?
Eisen's return to SportCenter this week is just the beginning. Since the new partnership, Eisen will likely return to his roots routinely, in addition to his NFL Network work and upcoming projects. The deal will allow him to make appearances on the show from time to time.
The appearance came weeks before his impending Sept 2 debut of The Rich Eisen Show on Disney and ESPN platforms which was originally announced in May.
SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox
Rich Eisen Blinks Back Tears Honoring the Late Stuart Scott on Emotional Return to SportsCenter first appeared on Parade on Aug 20, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Continue reading...
