Max Kellerman has been one of the most recognizable voices in American sports media for over two decades. Known for his quick wit, sharp analysis, and passion for boxing, Kellerman has hosted some of the most popular sports talk shows on ESPN and beyond. Though he’s recently stepped away from the spotlight following ESPN’s mid-2023 layoffs, his legacy in sports broadcasting and his multifaceted personal life remain as compelling as ever.
Early Life and Academic Background
Max Kellerman was born on August 6, 1973, in the Bronx, New York, and raised in Greenwich Village. Now 50 years old, Max grew up in a tight-knit Jewish family as the eldest of four brothers. He attended PS 41 for elementary school and later Hunter College High School, one of New York City’s most competitive academic institutions.
He went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in History from Columbia University in 1998. Even while pursuing a rigorous Ivy League education, Kellerman’s love for sports—especially boxing—never waned. That passion would eventually shape the course of his career.
Early Career: From Public Access to ESPN
Kellerman’s broadcasting journey began unusually early. As a teenager, he hosted a public-access television show titled Max on Boxing, which showcased his knowledge and enthusiasm for the sport. The show gained a local following and helped him catch the eye of producers at ESPN.
Following his graduation from Columbia, Kellerman landed his first significant gig as an analyst for ESPN’s Friday Night Fights, where he quickly became known for his articulate and energetic style.
ESPN and National Recognition
Max’s breakout moment came in 2002 when he became the creator and original host of Around the Horn, ESPN’s lively sports roundtable show. Despite the show’s popularity, he left in 2004 after contract negotiations with ESPN fell through.
He moved on to host I, Max on Fox Sports Net, a short-lived but well-received program that ended in 2005. After that, he joined HBO as a boxing commentator for shows like Boxing After Dark and HBO World Championship Boxing, working alongside icons like Jim Lampley and Lennox Lewis.
In 2010, Kellerman made a brief foray into CNN, covering sports and pop culture. Later, he joined ESPNLA radio in 2011, co-hosting Max & Marcellus with former NFL player Marcellus Wiley. Their chemistry eventually landed them on SportsNation, alongside Michelle Beadle.
First Take and Mainstream Stardom
In 2016, Max took on one of the most high-profile roles in sports media: replacing Skip Bayless on First Take, sitting alongside Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim. The trio became a cornerstone of ESPN’s daytime programming, engaging in heated sports debates watched by millions.
Max’s articulate delivery, encyclopedic sports knowledge, and occasional hip hop references made him a fan favorite. However, after five years on First Take, he stepped away in 2021 to host his own show, This Just In with Max Kellerman, which featured segments like The Agenda and QB Sneak.
Unfortunately, amid budget cuts at ESPN, Kellerman was laid off in mid-2023, effectively ending his run at the network.
Net Worth, Salary, and Real Estate
As of 2024, Max Kellerman’s net worth is estimated at $6 million, according to financial sources. At his peak, he was reportedly earning close to $1 million annually from ESPN through his roles across radio, TV, and digital content.
In addition to his broadcasting income, Kellerman made a smart real estate investment. In 2004, he purchased a home in East Hampton, New York, for $1.495 million. Over the years, the property has appreciated significantly and is now valued at around $3.5 million. The house has occasionally been rented out for as much as $35,000 per month.
Personal Life: Family and Tragedy
Kellerman’s personal life has remained mostly out of the spotlight, though he has occasionally opened up about his family. He is married to Erin Kellerman, and the couple has three daughters: Esther, Mira, and Sam—the latter named after Max’s younger brother, Sam Kellerman, a writer and aspiring sports broadcaster who was tragically murdered in 2004 by former boxer James Butler.
This devastating loss deeply affected Max, but he has since used his platform to advocate for mental health awareness and justice system reform.
Kellerman is also deeply connected to his Jewish heritage and speaks Yiddish fluently. Known for his intellectual and cultural depth, he’s equally passionate about hip hop music, often quoting lyrics from artists like Raekwon and the Wu-Tang Clan during his broadcasts.
Appearances Outside of Sports
In addition to his sports media work, Kellerman has made cameo appearances in film and television. He played himself in “Rocky Balboa” (2006) and returned as a reporter in the 2015 boxing spinoff “Creed”. He’s also appeared on BET’s “Real Husbands of Hollywood”, showcasing his comfort with both scripted and unscripted formats.
Legacy and What’s Next
Though no longer on ESPN, Max Kellerman’s voice and perspective remain influential in the world of sports commentary. Whether it’s through podcasting, independent projects, or a return to boxing commentary, few doubt he’ll find a new platform.
With a legacy built on knowledge, versatility, and authenticity, Max Kellerman has proven that sportscasting is more than just commentary — it’s storytelling, culture, and connection.
