Sport

Goodbye to an Era: Emotions Run High in Final Episode of ESPN’s ‘Around the Horn’

2025-05-23

Author: Lok

A Bittersweet Farewell

The curtain has finally fallen on a television classic. ESPN’s beloved show ‘Around the Horn’ aired its last episode on Friday, closing the book on a remarkable 20-year journey that gifted fans nearly 5,000 episodes.

A Somber Tribute

As the poignant finale began, host Tony Reali addressed viewers with heartfelt gratitude towards everyone who contributed to the show over the years. The atmosphere was thick with emotion, creating a fitting tribute to an iconic program.

Celebrating a Legacy

In a nostalgic segment, Reali welcomed notable former panelists for a special ‘Face Time’ moment, giving them a chance to express their appreciation for the show. Bob Ryan, a veteran panelist, shared a reflective perspective on how drastically the sports landscape has evolved since the show debuted in 2002.

"When we launched on November 4, 2002, the entire sports world was different," Ryan remarked. "Pitchers didn’t get parades after the seventh inning, and the Eurostep was a foreign concept. Life keeps moving forward, and we are grateful for every moment together."

Honoring a Giant

Panelist J.A. Adande took a moment to honor Woody Paige, the show’s winningest participant, drawing a parallel between Paige's legendary presence and that of basketball great Michael Jordan. "Michael once told me Woody was his favorite. Game recognizes game; GOAT recognizes GOAT," Adande said, evoking laughter and applause.

A Reflection on Life and Scoring

As the final minutes ticked away, Reali delved into the scoring system that shaped the show. In a deeply reflective moment, he compared its unpredictability to the intricacies of life itself. He shared, "I realized not every topic needs to be scored the same, as life is unpredictable. It has its ups and downs, just like our scoring system. Some days stats reward you, and other days they don’t, but what matters is how we navigate through it with the people we care about."

Emotional Closing Remarks

With sentimentality enveloping the studio, Reali offered his final words to fans. "I was just 24 when I started this journey, and I grew up alongside this show. It has been a part of my life, and maybe yours too. The experiences we shared—both the highs and lows—remind me that life is best when it's lived openly and collectively."

The End of an Era

As 'Around the Horn' concludes, it leaves behind a legacy of engaging sports discourse and heartfelt connections. Fans and former panelists alike will surely cherish the memories created over two decades, marking the end of an extraordinary chapter in sports television history.