By admin 
Chris Berman is mourning the loss of a legendary ESPN figure on Tuesday.
Bill Rasmussen, the founder of ESPN, has died. The iconic ESPN founder was 93 years old. ESPN confirmed his death on Tuesday morning, shortly before noon E.T.
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“Bill was a remarkable man – a visionary and an innovator who conceived the idea of a network entirely devoted to sports,” said ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro. “Quite simply, none of us would be here today if it wasn’t for Bill’s passion and all the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit he put into building ESPN in the late 1970s – key aspects of our company culture that still carry on to this day.”
Pitaro added: “One of my greatest thrills since joining ESPN was getting to know Bill on a personal level. I will always cherish the memory of catching the ceremonial first pitch that he threw at Fenway Park in Boston in celebration of our 40th anniversary. His legacy will always be a part of ESPN.”
Berman, one of Rasmussen’s first hires – and one of the most important people in ESPN history – is saddened by his former boss’s death.
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The legendary ESPN host paid tribute to Rasmussen on Tuesday morning.
Chris Berman mourns ESPN founder’s death
Berman, who joined ESPN three weeks after its initial launch in 1979, said Rasmussen was the network’s “George Washington.”
“Bill was our George Washington and a good friend,” said Berman. “He was such a grateful person and every sports fan can be grateful for Bill. He wasn’t a glass half-full guy; his glass was always overflowing with optimism. He greeted everyone with a smile and we can all smile knowing Bill’s legacy.”
Rasmussen passed away today, August 18, 2026, at the age of 93 from the effects of Parkinson’s Disease.
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Our thoughts are with his friends and family members during this difficult time.
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This story was originally published August 18, 2026 at 8:56 AM.