Russo says hi to Francesa!
After 19 years together, "Mike and the Mad Dog" called it quits on Aug. 14, 2008. After one of their many feuds, Russo decided not to renew his contract and soon signed with Sirius XM Radio. Francesa remained with WFAN, signed a new deal and renamed the show "Mike'd Up: Francesa on the FAN."
Credit: Paul J. Bereswill
Four years ago I covered Super Bowl XLII primarily as a media/business writer. This time around I'm mostly a football writer.
But I figured I should pay a visit to Radio Row for old times' sake. I was there Monday chatting with Mike Francesa just before 1 p.m. when Chris Russo happened by and said hello to me by striking me hard on the tush.
As he started on his way out of the room, he turned to go over and say hello to Mike, saying it was for my benefit so I could start a rumor they are getting back together.
Alas, they are not. But they also don't hate each other, contrary to a widespread assumption.
Their brief hello seemed genuine. Then Francesa went on the air on WFAN, and an hour later Russo followed suit on Sirius XM, about 20 feet away.
So close, and yet so far.
Anyway, it's important on one's first day in a Super Bowl city to get the lay of the land, which I did by loitering around the media center and sampling the free food being handed out this week from Indianapolis restaurants.
The barbecue made sense. The corned beef sandwich from Shapiro's Deli (since 1905!), less so. But both were quite good.
The coolest thing in the media center is the Lego version of Lucas Oil Stadium, which took three years to build.
Here is a picture Barbara Barker tweeted of it.
One other thing about the media center: Various groups set up booths to give information (and snacks) to visiting journalists, for example the host committee for next year's Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Among them this year is the American Urological Association. I have not yet had the nerve to ask why they are there.
