ESPN’s ‘Around the Horn’ Wraps 23-Year Run With Heartfelt Sign Off From Host Tony Reali: ‘Sports Is Connection’

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After a remarkable run of 23 years and over 4,900 episodes, long-standing ESPN host Tony Reali bid farewell to his popular sports discussion show “Around the Horn” on Friday.

For quite some time, I’ve been eagerly following ESPN’s schedule, and they had announced the finale date for the beloved half-hour series that’s always graced their early evening programming – “Around the Horn.” Lately, the host of this classic show, Tony Reali, has been candid in his interviews about the series being terminated, even though it’s had a long and distinguished run.

Around the Horn” is a talk show where well-known sportscasters discuss various teams, athletes, and current sports topics. The commentators compete to earn points, with Reali acting as the judge, by presenting strong arguments to back their opinions. Prior to hosting this show, Reali worked as a researcher and statistician for “Pardon the Interruption,” a popular ESPN program hosted by esteemed sports personalities Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon.

“Around the Horn” is a program where famous sportscasters chat about teams, athletes, and daily sports issues. The commentators try to earn points by making strong arguments to support their views, with Reali deciding who wins. Before hosting this show, Reali worked as a researcher for a long-running ESPN program called “Pardon the Interruption,” which is hosted by well-known sportscasters Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon.

In an interview with Sports Illuded, Reali expressed that the lack of clarification and the ensuing silence spoke volumes to him. He implied that he might belong to a perspective where television programs have a transient nature.

In the closing moments of the broadcast, Reali took the opportunity to promote his website TonyReali.com and YouTube channel. However, he ended on a largely optimistic note, acknowledging the positive impact that the show has had on him personally. He also shared thoughts about how sports can shape popular culture at its finest moments.

To begin his last five minutes, Reali delved into the rules and measurements he’s been using to evaluate writers throughout the years. Subsequently, he switched gears and ventured into more intimate topics.

Life gives us all unique challenges each day, and the rules seem to change constantly. You must adapt and persevere, both in times of joy and hardship,” he emphasized. “The strategies that work today might not work tomorrow, but you’ll find a way, and you’ll do it with the supportive people by your side, because we can overcome anything as a team.

Reali’s voice became more emotional as he zeroed in on his farewell.

He shared that he began working on this show when he was 24 years old. This program has been a significant part of his personal growth. It seems that some of you might feel the same way. As life often goes, it moves quickly at times, then slows down, and eventually, I’ve experienced all its ups and downs through this journey because I believe life is most meaningful when we share it honestly, and a meaningful life includes both high points and low points.

Reali acknowledged and honored the spectators whose dedication turned the program into must-see television for over twenty years. He frequently underscored his quest to uncover “authenticity” in every discussion, subtly referencing his last name.

In my search for authenticity, I stumbled upon something more genuinely real than reality itself. Your responses resonated with me, as they were the heart of this production. It’s all about the connections. Sports are a manifestation of these connections. From our earliest years, we experience them – sharing joy and sorrow together. What unites us is sports, but when it comes from a sincere place, it reaches new heights of brilliance. However, what you shared with me went beyond that. Your heartfelt messages about your families and yourself, where you revealed your true selves to me, hold the deepest meaning for me.

In the end, Reali conceded, “I guess you’ll label me as cheesy,” before gesturing towards the camera and inviting viewers, “Let’s go together, where things are authentic.

At the last 20 seconds, the camera shifted to show a screen revealing the cumulative scores of frequent “Around the Horn” participants. The sports columnist from Denver Gazette, Woody Paige, led the list with a total of 700 points.

Reali stated, ‘From the start, I was known as a numbers guy; that’s who I am and will remain.’ Thank you.

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2025-05-24 02:48