Apr 30, 2010; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb (4) shares a laugh with local sports reporter Howard Eskin at the end of morning practice during mini-camp at the Philadelphia Eagles NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Howard Eskin posted the following to twitter early Friday afternoon:
After 38 years I am moving on from Sportsradio WIP where I launched the station’s sports talk franchise in 1986. I leave the station with great affection for the listeners who have made the work I do so fulfilling during my time there. I’m looking forward to what comes next… pic.twitter.com/ZF6Wl9gO8P
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) December 20, 2024
Eskin was a polarizing figure during his decades at the radio station, so naturally, the reaction to his departure was mixed.
Hate him or not, Howard Eskin did the job right, asking all the hard questions when no one else would and telling the truth even if it went against the popular opinion. He will be missed. Congrats on a legendary career https://t.co/vwdlp6jtAe
With his retirement we must ask: Did Howard Eskin bring a positive contribution to the sports media scene? No.
But was he a valuable source of entertainment and knowledge? Also no.
Say what you want about Howard Eskin. Philadelphia sports talk radio is what it is today because of him.
A legend and icon in the industry and pillar of Philadelphia sports broadcasting history.
Grew up listening to his show as a kid when he was hosting drive time. Helped form… https://t.co/r1emmvXPNd
At his best Howard Eskin was a somewhat entertaining embarrassment to the city and at his worst he was an actively toxic influence on it. He should have been run out of WIP on a rail this year but I’ll take solace he’s at least finally going out the door.
#LEGEND. Hardest working & most influential in the BIZ!!!
Eskin's Wikipedia page reads like a damn Mad Libs: He has more broadcasts under his belt than any sports radio personality in history. He was suspended in 2000 for calling the Miss America pageant "rigged." Charlie Manuel wanted to fight him in 2007. He interviewed Joey Merlino about an Eric Lindros ticket scandal in the '90s. Pete Rose gave him the nickname "King." In 1997, he sent roses to a woman five days before she was murdered by her husband. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society once named him "Man of the Year." He has helped raise $400,000 for the Eagles Autism Foundation. He was banned from Citizens Bank Park in 2024 for an "unwanted advance" on a female Aramark employee. He broke the story of former Eagles owner Leonard Tose's financial troubles, possibly preventing Tose from selling the franchise to ownership that would have moved the team.
You get the idea. Complicated guy.
Love him or hate him, he is certainly... well, Howard Eskin.
