ESPN’s ‘Around the Horn’ Ends: Former Panelist Shares Humorous Tale of Being the Show’s “Worst Ever”
Dan Shanoff, a former panelist on ESPN’s long-running debate show “Around the Horn,” is reflecting on his uniquely winless record as the program concludes after 23 years. He shares candid confessions about his brief, memorable, and ultimately pride-inducing stint on the iconic sports talk show.
“Around the Horn” Concludes: A Look Back with its Most Unsuccessful Panelist
ESPN’s popular sports roundtable show, “Around the Horn,” is set to air its final episode, marking the end of a 23-year run. Amidst reflections on its legacy, one former panelist, Dan Shanoff, holds a unique distinction: being the show’s least successful participant ever, a title he wears with surprising pride.
What Happened: A Legacy of Futility
Shanoff candidly admits to appearing more times on “Around the Horn” without a single win than any other panelist. Out of 61 participants, 54 secured at least one victory. Shanoff, however, remains one of the seven winless contributors. He humorously notes that his record of futility will be secure as the show, hosted by Tony Reali for the last 21 years, wraps up after 4,953 episodes.
The Journey to ESPN’s Spotlight
An Unlikely Start: Shanoff’s journey to “Around the Horn” began with what he calls a “lie of omission.” The show initially featured top newspaper sports columnists. While he was starting a column for ESPN.com, he had zero on-air television experience. When original host Max Kellerman inquired about his TV prowess, Shanoff chose enthusiastic willingness over a frank admission of his inexperience. He first appeared on June 14, 2003.
Battling Imposter Syndrome: The lead-up to his debut was fraught with anxiety. Shanoff describes practicing extensively, even taping himself to simulate on-air conditions. Arriving at the D.C. studio for taping was terrifying, but he also recalls the incredible feeling of being on the show and the initial belief that a TV punditry career was dawning.
On-Air Challenges and Memorable Moments
The “Topo Gigio” Incident: A particularly memorable on-air moment occurred in May 2004 when fellow panelist Woody Paige jokingly compared Shanoff’s high-pitched voice to the 1960s mouse puppet character, Topo Gigio.
An Ill-Advised Attempt to Change: In a surprising confession, Shanoff admits he briefly took up smoking cigarettes in an attempt to make his voice sound more gravelly and TV-appropriate. He quickly abandoned this “deeply flawed idea.”
A Near Miss with the “Embrace Debate” Era
Shanoff speculates he might have been briefly considered to partner with “Around the Horn” legend Woody Paige on ESPN’s “Cold Pizza,” a precursor to “First Take.” He recalls a producer mentioning his name to ESPN’s then-head of programming, Mark Shapiro. However, Skip Bayless was ultimately chosen, ushering in the “Embrace Debate” era, for which Shanoff humorously disclaims any responsibility.
Reflections on a Brief TV Career
A Short but Memorable Stint: Shanoff’s “Around the Horn” career spanned five episodes. He admits that for years, he couldn’t watch the show as it was a painful reminder of his short-lived experience. He still possesses VHS tapes of his appearances but cannot bring himself to watch them.
The Show’s Evolving Legacy: Despite his personal outcome, Shanoff acknowledges “Around the Horn” as an impressive incubator of on-air talent. He notes how the show evolved from featuring established newspaper columnists to platforming a diverse range of ESPN-centric, internet-native voices. Alumni include prominent names like Mina Kimes, Michael Smith, Jemele Hill, Bomani Jones, and Adam Schefter.
Finding Closure
Years later, Shanoff visited the New York studio during the show’s final week to thank host Tony Reali. He describes the experience as comfortable and a source of fond feelings, a stark contrast to the anxiety of his early appearances. He concludes that while his dream of being a national TV pundit didn’t unfold as envisioned, he now savors the memory of having “at least” experienced it.
Editor’s Note: This article is based on a report from The Athletic (published via The New York Times), originally titled “Confessions of ESPN’s worst ‘Around the Horn’ participant of all time,” published on May 22, 2025.
