Rich Eisen was back hosting ESPN’s SportsCenter Monday for the first time in 22 years, but there was a noticeable void next to him on set.
From 1996-2003, Eisen was one of ESPN’s most recognizable SportsCenter anchors. He and partner Stuart Scott formed a fun-loving duo on the network’s flagship show, often times going viral before we even knew what going viral meant.
The pair split up when Eisen made his move to NFL Network in 2003, but remained close friends. Sadly, Scott passed away in 2015 of appendiceal cancer at the age of 49.
Eisen has spoken openly on countless occasions about how much Scott meant to him, including at the beginning of last night’s SportsCenter return.
Hosting his first SportsCenter in 22 years, @richeisen took time to remember and honor his friend Stuart Scott ❤️ pic.twitter.com/7S3vJ0BQpa
— ESPN (@espn) August 19, 2025
ESPN aired highlights of Eisen and Scott working together over the years before flashing to Eisen at the SportsCenter desk.
Next to him was an empty anchor chair, with a large image of Scott looming over the set.
‘He should be in that chair’
An emotional Eisen spoke candidly about Scott, seemingly fighting back tears as he remembered his former partner.
“It has been a blast being here tonight, but listen, we all know there should be someone else in this chair next to me,” Eisen said. “Right there, as he was for my seven years in the role he referred to as my TV wife. And that’s my dear, late friend Stuart Scott, who is indeed looking over my shoulder tonight.”
Eisen went on to say he often wonders what Scott would think about modern developments in sports, such as Bill Belichick coaching at his alma mater, UNC, LeBron James still playing in his 40s and ESPN’s new partnerships with NFL Network and Inside the NBA.
“I could go on and on, because I miss Stuart so very much,” Eisen said. “He should be in that chair, with me, with us, tonight.”
Scott left behind a lasting legacy
First diagnosed with cancer in 2007, Scott at one point went into remission but was again diagnosed in 2011 and 2013.
In July 2014, the Chicago-born television personality accepted The Jimmy V Award at the ESPYs to recognize his courageous battle. While on stage that night, Scott delivered a memorable speech, parts of which still live on to this day.
“When you die, that does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live and in the manner in which you live,” Scott said. “So, live. Live. Fight like hell. And when you get too tired to fight then lay down and rest and let somebody else fight for you.”
Eisen will be back on ESPN moving forward
Monday night won’t be the last time the 56-year-old Eisen will be featured on ESPN. Starting Sept. 2, The Rich Eisen Show, his popular daily radio program, will be featured on Disney and ESPN platforms for the first time.
“To say this has been a long time coming is an understatement, especially considering I never thought a reunion with ESPN would happen in any role, let alone such a crucial one of ‘partner,'” Eisen said when the news was announced in May. “Immense thanks to Jimmy Pitaro, Burke Magnus and Dave Roberts for their belief in The Rich Eisen Show and our amazing crew, without whom none of this could have been possible. I can’t wait to connect alike with new fans on Disney and ESPN’s many platforms and reconnect with long-time ones who remember me with hair.”
