Mike Francesa

Francesa was born and raised in Long Beach, New York.{{cite web|url=http://www.newsday.com/community/guide/lihistory/ny-hometown_mike,0,2342693.story?coll=ny-lihistory-navigation |title=Long Island history: Mike Francesa and Chris Russo |work=Newsday |author=Steve Zipay |access-date=October 12, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060813124035/http://www.newsday.com/community/guide/lihistory/ny-hometown_mike%2C0%2C2342693.story?coll=ny-lihistory-navigation |archive-date=2006-08-13 |url-status=dead }} He is the second son of Michael Anthony Francesa, who abandoned the family when Francesa was eight years old, and his mother Marilyn, who raised him as a single parent. He has an older brother John and had a younger brother named Marty who committed suicide on November 27, 1990. Francesa attended Maria Regina High School in Uniondale (now known as Kellenberg Memorial High School)Mike Francesa and Chris Russo, Mike and the Mad Dog on WFAN. (January 24, 2007) and graduated from St. John's University in 1977 (transferring there after one year at the University of South Florida), majoring in communications and athletic administration.

Francesa started his career by spending six years at College and Pro Football Newsweekly. He was hired by CBS Sports in 1982 as a researcher, focusing primarily on college sports.Shane Fitzgerald (1990-03-30), CBS' Francesa first worked behind scenes, Rocky Mountain News. At CBS Sports, he was initially a behind-the-scenes, statistics-wielding editorial assistant, but network executives were so impressed by his knowledge that he was made a studio analyst for college basketball and footballCharles Siebert (1990-08-19), The Sportscasters, The New York Times Magazine. and acquired such a reputation that The New Yorker termed him "Brent Musburger's brain."{{cite magazine|url=http://www.mikefrancesa.com/wordpress/?p=73|title=The boys: what Mike and the Mad Dog talk about when they talk about sports|magazine=The New Yorker|author=Nick Paumgarten|date=August 30, 2004}} Francesa said that the most common complaint about him while he was a studio analyst at CBS Sports was about his New York accent.Jack Craig (1990-03-30), CBS' Francesser is plainly a success basketball, football expert defies network standards for appearance, accent, The Boston Globe.

ESPN tried to lure Francesa as its studio expert for college football, college basketball and the NFL in 1991, but he declined their offer.News wire (1991-04-14), Sports People: Television; Francesa declines offer, The New York Times.

Francesa announced on the radio that he quit CBS on April 1, 1993Richard Sandomir (1993-04-03), Final Four: it's prime time, bay-bee!, The New York Times. before the 1993 Final Four began.Richard Sandomir (1996-04-02), CBS wins on court and falls flat off it, The New York Times.

{{see also|Mike and the Mad Dog|Mike's On}}

When WFAN was launched in 1987, Francesa applied for a host job. However, station management was looking for top-shelf types rather than someone with no experience, and he was only offered a producer's job, which he ended up rejecting.Steve Zipay (1993-04-01), :Mr. Sports Tawk: Some national viewers don't like Mike Francesa's accent and attitude." "Hey, I'm a New York guy,' the sportscaster says defiantly. 'I wear it as a badge,'" Newsday With his then-wife Kate's encouragement, Francesa continued to pursue WFAN. Finally, WFAN gave him a job as a weekend host talking college football and basketball in August 1987.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsline.com/cbssports/story/10230568|title=Sports radio 66AM WFAN marks 20th anniversary|publisher=CBS Sportsline|access-date=June 28, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080201090143/http://www.sportsline.com/cbssports/story/10230568|archive-date=February 1, 2008|df=mdy-all}} Because of the positive reviews, Francesa began to guest-host other shows.

Because of his initial success as a weekend and fill-in host, he was teamed with local New York City host Ed Coleman, and the duo had a popular show on the 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. slot. In 1989, WFAN was looking for hosts to replace the controversial Pete Franklin in the afternoon drive time period between 3 and 7 p.m. Station management decided to team the knowledgeable, but somewhat dry Francesa with the young and vibrant Chris Russo. While Francesa's brand of sports commentating was considered hard-hitting and serious, Russo's was lighter, unconventional, and more entertaining. The show was dubbed Mike and the Mad Dog. The show quickly gained popularity and was a staple of the New York sports scene from 1989 to 2008. The duo won the 2000 Marconi Award for Major Market Personality of the Year.{{cite web|url=http://www.nab.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Awards&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=3750 |title=2000 Marconi Radio Award Winners |publisher=National Association of Broadcasters |access-date=September 26, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928021519/http://www.nab.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Awards&TEMPLATE=%2FCM%2FContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=3750 |archive-date=September 28, 2007 |url-status=dead }} They were the first sports-talk hosts ever to win the award.

Francesa also hosted a weekly radio show called The NFL Now, which originated from WFAN and aired from 1987 to 2016. It eventually became syndicated and at one time was simulcast on MSNBC and later via video Webcast on NBCSports.com. The NFL Now became a syndicated program again when WBZ-FM in Boston started airing the show, a few weeks after the station's launch.

Francesa also provided the nightly "Sportstime" commentary on the CBS Radio Network and Westwood One. Francesa regularly contributed to the Imus in the Morning program with his views on sports while it aired on WFAN and Westwood One.

On August 14, 2008, it was announced that Russo had decided to leave WFAN, and thus ended the Mike and the Mad Dog show two weeks shy of its 19th anniversary. This ended two months of speculation regarding the show's future. At the same time, Francesa signed a five-year deal to stay at WFAN.{{cite web|url=http://www.newsday.com/services/newspaper/printedition/saturday/news/ny-spbest165803061aug16,0,5196711.story|title=Russo, late of WFAN's Mike and the Mad Dog, calls in|work=Newsday|author=Neil Best|date=2008-08-16|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828041724/http://www.newsday.com/services/newspaper/printedition/saturday/news/ny-spbest165803061aug16,0,5196711.story|archive-date=August 28, 2008|df=mdy-all}} On September 8, 2008, Francesa's new solo WFAN program began, titled Mike'd Up, the same name as that of his former weekly television program on WNBC. Francesa's show was simulcast on the YES Network from 2008 until 2014.

On January 17, 2012, the show was renamed Mike's On. After Francesa left the show Mike'd Up: The Francesa Sports Final on WNBC, the television station retained the rights to the name of the show. NBC and CBS did not reach an agreement for the rights, causing WFAN to change the name.{{cite news |url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/media/mike-francesa-gets-new-radio-show-name-t66400|title=Mike Francesa Gets New Radio Show Name|work=Newsday|date=January 17, 2012|access-date=May 17, 2022}}

During his show's time on the YES Network, Francesa's trademark show introduction was: "From the studios of WFAN in New York and simulcast across the country on the YES Network, this is Mike's On: Francesa on the FAN."

On September 10, 2012, Francesa fell asleep live on air during a segment with Yankees beat reporter Sweeny Murti. He later denied that he had fallen asleep after national ridicule and mockery, including that from callers to the show.{{cite web|url=http://deadspin.com/5942619/watch-mike-francesa-doze-off-during-an-interview|title=Watch Mike Francesa Doze Off During An Interview|first=John|last=Koblin|website=Deadspin|date=September 12, 2012 |access-date=September 12, 2017}}

On March 24, 2014, Francesa's show began broadcasting nationally on Fox Sports 1. He changed his trademark intro to the show to "From the studios of WFAN in New York and simulcast across the country on Fox Sports 1, this is Mike's On: Francesa on the FAN." The relationship with Fox Sports was tumultuous at times, and Francesa's contract ended on September 11, 2015. Francesa took primary responsibility for the failure of the relationship. During his entire solo run, Francesa hosted the top-rated drive-time sports-talk show in the New York market.{{cite news|url=https://nypost.com/2015/09/09/mike-francesa-fox-finally-end-failed-marriage/|title=Mike Francesa, Fox finally end failed marriage|work=New York Post|date=September 9, 2015|access-date=September 10, 2015}}

On March 30, 2016, Francesa and Russo hosted a Mike and the Mad Dog reunion show at Radio City Music Hall.{{cite web | date=March 2016 | url=http://www.bobsblitz.com/2016/03/video-mike-mad-dog-reunion-radio-city.html |title=Mike and the Mad Dog 2016 Radio City Music Hall Reunion |access-date=March 31, 2013}}

On December 24, 2016, Francesa aired his last Mike Francesa Football Sunday after CBS declined to renew it for 2017.{{cite web | date=December 2016 |url=http://www.bobsblitz.com/2016/12/wfan-refused-to-sign-mike-francesa-to.html |title=WFAN refused to sign Mike Francesa to do Football Sunday 2017 |access-date=December 24, 2016}}

On January 19, 2016, Francesa stated that he planned to leave WFAN when his contract with the station expired at the end of 2017.{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2016/01/19/mike-francesa-announces-when-hes-leaving-wfan/|title=Mike Francesa announces when he will be leaving WFAN|date=January 20, 2016|website=New York Post|access-date=September 12, 2017}} On May 3, 2017, WFAN announced WFAN Presents: Mike Francesa, A Night to Remember, to be held at the LIU Post Tilles Center on November 15 at 7:30 p.m.{{cite web | date=May 2017 | url=http://www.bobsblitz.com/2017/05/wfan-presents-mike-francesa-night-to.html |title=WFAN Presents: Mike Francesa, A Night to Remember |access-date=May 5, 2017}} WFAN broadcast Francesa's penultimate radio show live from the Paley Center for Media.{{cite web | date=December 2017 | url=http://www.bobsblitz.com/2017/12/heres-highlights-of-1st-hour-of-mike.html |title=Here's highlights of the 1st hour of Mike Francesa's 2nd to last show from The Paley Center for Media |access-date=December 15, 2017}} His final day on WFAN was December 15, 2017.{{Cite news|url=https://www.google.com/search?q=Mike+Francesa|title=I'm outa here|date=December 15, 2017|work=The New York Times}} Francesa signed off at 6:26 p.m. EST on December 15, 2017, with these final words:

"I want to thank you guys, the listeners, the audience. Because without you—we don't last a week. We don't last a month. So, what I'd like to say to you is, 'I will miss you. I thank you. And, from the bottom of my heart, I love you. Goodbye.'"{{cite web | date=December 2017 | url=http://www.bobsblitz.com/2017/12/mike-francesas-last-ever-wfan-radio.html |title=Mike Francesa's last ever WFAN radio program close: "I love you...good bye..." |access-date=December 15, 2017}}

On April 24, 2018, just over four months after having retired from WFAN, Francesa announced his intention to return. The station confirmed the decision, stating that he would return to afternoon drive, albeit with a shorter show running from 3:00–6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.{{cite web | date=April 2018 | url=https://www.nydailynews.com/amp/sports/more-sports/mike-francesa-time-return-wfan-article-1.3951336 |title=Mike Francesa Returning to WFAN| website=New York Daily News }}

On August 23, 2018, Francesa launched a subscription-based mobile app known as Mike's On, which provides a live video stream of his daily WFAN show, archived interviews from previous shows, his Sunday NFL show and Saturday college football show and occasional live reactions to sporting events. The $8.99-per-month price of the service was widely criticized by the media.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/sports/2018/08/want_mike_francesas_new_app_this_is_what_it_will_c.html|title=Want Mike Francesa's new app? This is what it will cost you|last=Kratch|first=James|date=2018-08-23|website=NJ|access-date=2019-09-03}}{{cite web | date=August 26, 2018| url=https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/ny-sports-francesa-app-raissman-20180824-story.html | title=Buyer, beware! Mike Francesa's pricey new app just another way for the Sports Pope to con the masses | website=New York Daily News | access-date=November 17, 2018}}{{cite web | date=August 24, 2018 | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/setheverett/2018/08/24/mike-francesas-new-app-launched-today-will-fans-pay-to-subscribe/#565691e2fd03 |title=Mike Francesa's New App Launches -- Will Fans Pay To Subscribe? | website=Forbes | access-date=November 17, 2018}}

After returning to WFAN, Francesa won the fall 2018 ratings book, the first since his return, with an average of 6.4 percent of the listening audience as compared to the 5.8 registered by The Michael Kay Show's 5.8, the show opposite Francesa's time slot on the New York ESPN affiliate WEPN-FM.{{cite web | date=December 26, 2018| url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/media/mike-francesa-michael-kay-wfan-espn-radio-ratings-v27735 | title=WFAN's Mike Francesa narrowly tops ESPN's Michael Kay in autumn ratings book | access-date=May 17, 2022}} The total included both the over-the-air radio listening audience and WFAN's online streaming audience, which has traditionally been included in the total audience rating because WFAN has different advertising on each format. Without the stream, Francesa would have still won the fall 2018 book during the time slot by a share of 5.9–5.8 over Kay's show.

In the winter 2019 ratings book, Francesa received a 6.2 percent share of the listening audience compared to the 5.9 received by The Michael Kay Show during the same time slot.{{cite web | date=April 15, 2019| url=https://www.nj.com/sports/2019/04/did-wfans-mike-francesa-hold-the-throne-beat-espn-new-yorks-michael-kay-in-ratings-again.html | title=WFAN's Mike Francesa, ESPN's Michael Kay both declare victory in latest ratings book - Who does the math really favor? | access-date=April 20, 2019}} The total included both the over-the-air share as well as the WFAN online streaming. However, Kay beat Francesa 5.9–5.5 in the radio segment, and both hosts claimed victory on their respective shows. After hearing that Kay was celebrating victory over the disputed ratings book, Francesa said on his April 15, 2019, show that "I have nothing but sadness and pity for you that you would actually claim a victory that wasn't real” as well as saying that "you're ESPN, and you get beat like a rented mule for 20 years, it's got to hurt."{{cite web | date=April 15, 2019| url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/media/mike-francesa-michael-kay-wfan-espn-radio-a98453 | title=Mike Francesa and Michael Kay have contentious back-and-forth after release of winter ratings book | access-date=May 17, 2022}} Francesa later tweeted that "there was only one possible way to read [the ratings]" and that "anyone, and that means anyone, who says differently is either a fool or a liar."{{cite web | date=April 20, 2019| url=https://nypost.com/2019/04/20/mike-francesa-comments-for-last-time-on-disputed-ratings-numbers/ | title=Mike Francesa comments for 'last time' on disputed ratings numbers | access-date=April 20, 2019}} Francesa also felt the stress of a close ratings battle for the first time in his sports-radio career, and became embroiled in a heated argument with WFAN management about the availability of a Craig Carton post-sentencing interview on the last few days of the ratings book after Carton had been interviewed by Kay.{{cite web | date=April 15, 2019| url=https://nypost.com/2019/04/15/mike-francesa-exploded-in-wfan-hallways-before-disputed-loss-to-michael-kay/ | title=Mike Francesa exploded in WFAN hallways before disputed loss to Michael Kay | access-date=April 20, 2019}}

On April 28, 2019, Francesa became the center of controversy again, appearing to shame both the New York Giants and their 2019 sixth-round draft pick Corey Ballentine after Ballentine was wounded in a drive-by shooting the day before. Francesa said that the incident contrasted with the "great character" of the draft class that the Giants claimed to have picked, despite evidence that the shooting was completely random.{{cite web | date=April 28, 2019| url=https://nypost.com/2019/04/29/mike-francesa-shames-giants-for-corey-ballentine-getting-shot/ | title=Mike Francesa shames Giants for Corey Ballentine getting shot | access-date=May 1, 2019}} After some media members picked up on the comments, such as Francesa's fellow WFAN hosts Boomer and Gio, Francesa retreated from the opinion on his next day's show, but launched a fiery rant on their morning show the same day, accusing them of purposely distributing misinformation about him and his comments.{{cite web | date=April 30, 2019| url=https://nypost.com/2019/04/30/mike-francesa-walks-back-comments-shaming-corey-ballentine/ | title=Mike Francesa walks back comments shaming Corey Ballentine | access-date=May 1, 2019}}{{cite web | date=April 30, 2019| url=https://wfan.radio.com/articles/news/mike-francesa-defends-himself-fiery-call-boomer-and-gio-show | title=Mike Francesa Defends Himself In Fiery Call To 'Boomer And Gio' Show | access-date=May 1, 2019}}

On May 16, 2019, Francesa fell asleep on the air while taking a call from a listener.{{cite web | date=May 16, 2019| url=https://deadspin.com/big-sleepy-boy-mike-francesa-conks-out-on-the-air-yet-a-1834831589 | title=Big Sleepy Boy Mike Francesa Conks Out On The Air Yet Again | access-date=May 17, 2019}}{{cite web | date=May 16, 2019| url=https://nypost.com/2019/05/17/mike-francesa-appears-to-fall-asleep-again-on-air/ | title=Mike Francesa appears to fall asleep again on air | access-date=May 17, 2019}}

On September 3, 2019, it was announced that WFAN's owner Entercom had acquired the intellectual property of the Mike's On app, and that its content would be integrated into the company's Radio.com platform, with no additional subscription required. The Mike's On app was discontinued by the end of September, with its content having been made available for free.{{Cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2019/09/03/mike-francesas-subscription-app-is-dead/|title=Mike Francesa's subscription app is dead|last=Tasch|first=Justin|date=2019-09-03|website=New York Post|language=en|access-date=2019-09-03}} Francesa never revealed the number of paying customers for his app, which was roundly criticized by the media throughout its existence.

While delivering his "5 Minute Morning" recording on November 4, 2019, Francesa appeared to release flatulence while on the air, which was turned into a mainstream news story on several online publications, including the New York Daily News.{{cite web | date=November 4, 2019| url=https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/ny-mike-francesa-farts-adam-gase-firing-allegedly-20191104-txkyqpqpojf55nlent6d2tqgza-story.html | title=Mike Francesa appears to rip fart while ripping Adam Gase | website=New York Daily News | access-date=January 18, 2020}}{{cite web | date=November 4, 2019| url=https://www.barstoolsports.com/blog/1482903/mike-francesa-allegedly-rips-ass-on-air-daily-news-runs-headline-about-his-fart | title=Mike Francesa Allegedly Rips Ass On Air, Daily News Runs Headline About His Fart | access-date=January 18, 2020}} Francesa later denied that the incident had occurred, saying on his afternoon show the same day that it was "fake news" and that the media was desperate for a headline.{{cite web | date=November 4, 2019| url=https://elitesportsny.com/2019/11/05/mike-francesa-new-york-daily-news-go-at-it-over-on-air-flatulence-claim-video/ | title=Mike Francesa, New York Daily News go at it over on-air flatulence claim (Video) | access-date=January 18, 2020}}

In the fall 2019 ratings book, Francesa's third full book since his return, his WFAN show lost to The Michael Kay Show in direct head-to-head ratings, dethroning Francesa from the top of the New York sports ratings for the first time in his career, spanning back to 1989.{{cite web | date=December 23, 2019| url=https://nypost.com/2019/12/23/mike-francesa-caps-dreadful-wfan-exit-with-humiliating-ratings-loss-to-michael-kay/ | title=Mike Francesa caps dreadful WFAN exit with humiliating ratings loss to Michael Kay | access-date=January 18, 2020}} In the book, Francesa was outrated by Kay 7.4–5.5, with Francesa's total share rising to 6.0 after including streaming. In response to his first-ever ratings-book loss, Francesa criticized Kay and his cohosts, claiming that "celebrating [their] success now would be the same as spiking the football after finally scoring a TD in a game that is 77–0!"{{cite web | date=October 30, 2019| url=https://nypost.com/2019/10/30/mike-francesa-pompously-responds-to-wfan-ratings-failure/ | title=Mike Francesa pompously responds to WFAN ratings failure | access-date=January 18, 2020}}

During his radio comeback, Francesa's show was the target of criticism for reasons ranging from his frequent inaccurate predictions to his treatment of callers. His show was described as "grumbles and contentious conversations with callers on a regular basis" by Deadspin, and Francesa was noted for responding negatively to a caller who told him that Stan Lee had died.{{cite web | date=October 20, 2018| url=https://deadspin.com/mike-francesa-rants-about-reporter-who-made-fun-of-his-1830000062 | title=Mike Francesa Rants About Reporter Who Made Fun Of His Expensive App | access-date=April 20, 2019}}{{cite web | date=November 12, 2018 | url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2018/11/mike-francesa-had-a-really-disrespectful-response-upon-learning-of-stan-lees-death |title=Mike Francesa had a really disrespectful response upon learning of Stan Lee's death | access-date=April 20, 2019}} Video clips of Francesa making inaccurate predictions often went viral on Twitter, with players such as Virginia basketball's Ty Jerome coming onto the show to specifically address them.{{cite news | date=April 11, 2019 | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/04/11/virginias-ty-jerome-calls-out-stephen-smith-mike-francesa-their-cavalier-takes/ |title=Virginia's Ty Jerome calls out Stephen A. Smith and Mike Francesa for their Cavalier takes | newspaper=The Washington Post | access-date=April 20, 2019}} Francesa also received attention for maintaining that Tiger Woods had "nil" chance after the second round to win the 2019 Masters Tournament, which Woods later won, and then later claiming that the video clips that contained the inaccurate predictions were doctored or altered.{{cite news | date=April 14, 2019| url=https://www.si.com/golf/2019/04/14/mike-francesa-tiger-woods-wins-masters-chances-video | title=Watch: Mike Francesa Gave Tiger Woods Zero Chances at Winning 2019 Masters | newspaper=Sports Illustrated | access-date=April 20, 2019}}{{cite web | date=April 10, 2019| url=https://awfulannouncing.com/local-networks/mike-francesa-tony-bennett-virginia-ty-jerome.html | title=Mike Francesa denies his on-video comments on Tony Bennett and Virginia, gets dunked on by Virginia's Ty Jerome | access-date=April 20, 2019}}

In a November 2019 interview, Francesa's former Mike and the Mad Dog cohost Chris Russo called Francesa's radio comeback "unhealthy".{{cite web | date=November 26, 2019| url=https://nypost.com/2019/11/27/chris-russo-takes-parting-shot-at-mike-francesas-unhealthy-wfan-return/ | title=Chris Russo takes parting shot at Mike Francesa's 'unhealthy' WFAN return | access-date=January 18, 2020}} Russo revealed that he and Francesa had not spoken since March 2018 and said: "Mike should never have come back. He should have stayed retired." Russo also conjectured that Francesa may have realized toward the end of his second afternoon drive run that it was a mistake.

On November 5, 2019, Francesa announced his retirement from WFAN for a second time, announcing he would leave the station that December.{{cite web | date=November 5, 2019| url=https://www.nj.com/sports/2019/11/mike-francesa-explains-why-hes-leaving-wfan-afternoon-drive-what-hell-do-next.html | title=Mike Francesa explains why he's leaving WFAN afternoon drive, what he'll do next | access-date=January 18, 2020}} On December 6, 2019, he hosted his final afternoon show, giving thanks to both the station and the listeners.{{cite web | date=December 6, 2019| url=https://wfan.radio.com/articles/mike-francesa-signs-off-from-last-afternoon-show-on-wfan | title=Mike Francesa Signs Off From Last Show In Afternoon Drive | access-date=January 18, 2020}}

Francesa's departure left WFAN needing a replacement for its afternoon-drive slot, which was eventually filled by Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts, who had formerly hosted the midday show.{{cite web | date=December 31, 2019| url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/media/wfan-joe-benigno-evan-roberts-afternoon-drive-1.40078142 | title=Joe Benigno, Evan Roberts officially taking over WFAN afternoon drive time slot | access-date=January 18, 2020}}

After Francesa left his afternoon-drive show, WFAN announced that he would not be leaving the station altogether and would instead host a shortened show in a later timeslot.{{cite web | date=December 31, 2019| url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/media/mike-francesa-julie-stewart-binks-fubo-sports-network-1.39601745 | title=Mike Francesa says his new half-hour show on WFAN will be fast-paced | access-date=January 18, 2020}} On December 16, 2019, Francesa revealed that he would host a 30-minute show on WFAN from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m., with an additional hour on Radio.com.{{cite web | date=December 16, 2019| url=https://www.nj.com/sports/2019/12/wfans-mike-francesas-retirement-will-have-him-back-on-the-air-every-weekday-numbah-ones-new-schedule-will-please-mongo-nation.html | title=Mike Francesa's 'retirement' will have him back on WFAN every weekday - Numbah One's new schedule will please Mongo Nation | access-date=January 18, 2020}} Francesa announced that the show would be mostly freeform, saying that "I can do whatever I want. I don’t have to do sports. I can do politics. I can do whatever I want" in terms of content.

On January 6, 2020, Francesa debuted the first show in his new format, hosting a half-hour show on WFAN nights during the week while also hosting on Entercom's Radio.com platform.{{cite web | date=January 6, 2020| url=https://www.radio.com/sports/mikes-on/mike-francesa-launches-digital-show-mikes-on-on-radio-com | title=Mike Francesa Launches New Digital Sports Show Exclusively on RADIO.COM | access-date=January 18, 2020}} Francesa announced plans to branch out to more than New York sports, talking about national sports as well as political matters. On the first day of his new show, Francesa announced that his political coverage would be "played down the middle," claiming to provide an unbiased centrist perspective.{{cite web | date=January 6, 2020| url=https://www.nj.com/sports/2019/12/wfans-mike-francesa-details-new-show-says-it-will-be-fast-include-politics.html | title=WFAN's Mike Francesa on new show format, politics, his callers, 'They have to be put in their place' | access-date=January 18, 2020}}

On March 24, 2020, Francesa returned to daytime sports radio at WFAN for the first time after his second retirement, taking a temporary weekend gig from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sundays.{{cite web | date=March 24, 2020| url=https://nypost.com/2020/03/24/mike-francesa-returning-to-sunday-mornings-in-wfan-coronavirus-plan/ | title=Mike Francesa returning to Sunday mornings in WFAN coronavirus plan | access-date=March 28, 2020}} Downsizing at the station during the COVID-19 pandemic played a part in WFAN's decision to rehire Francesa. In May 2020, WFAN announced a revamp to its afternoon plans, scheduling Francesa for his first weekday show on the network since his second retirement with a 6:00–7:00 p.m. time window.{{cite web|date=May 25, 2020|url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/media/mike-francesa-schedule-wfan-streaming-1.44802700|title=Mike Francesa's streaming-only hour paused with expansion of WFAN show|access-date=May 25, 2020}}

On July 24, 2020, Francesa retired from broadcasting his daily WFAN and Radio.com show for the third time, citing the desire to spend more time with his family.

Since retirement, Francesa has been podcasting with the BetRivers Network, hosting the Mike Francesa Podcast.

Francesa played a bookie in the 2019 film Uncut Gems, starring Adam Sandler. He also had a role playing himself in the 2003 TV movie Undefeated.{{Cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1456510/|title=Mike Francesa|website=IMDb|access-date=2019-12-14}}

Francesa's first marriage was in 1983, to a woman named Kate.Larry Schwartz (1991-09-01), Behind the Mike, The Bergen Record. They divorced in 1994.

Currently a resident of Manhasset, New York, Francesa married his second wife, Rosemary (whom he usually calls Roe), on July 14, 2000.{{citation needed|date=January 2020}} They have three children, fraternal twins Emily Grace and Jack PatrickSteve Zipay (2004-09-09), Francesa roster to add 2 in February, Newsday.Steve Zipay (2005-01-19), Brief: Francesa father, Newsday. and Harrison James. In November 2019, Francesa bought a home in South Florida, reportedly to reduce his tax burden.{{cite web|date=November 6, 2019|url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/fl-sp-mike-francesa-florida-man-20191106-wyqm2sra2ngujf6ddrdvdwkuqu-story.html|title=Mike Francesa is becoming Florida Man|access-date=January 18, 2020}}

In April 2007, Francesa criticized Democratic presidential nominees Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton after they called for the resignation of Don Imus following comments that Imus had made about the Rutgers women's basketball team.{{cite web | date=April 6, 2007| url=https://www.bobsblitz.com/2016/11/mike-francesa-slams-obama-hillary.html | title=Mike Francesa Slams Obama, Hillary Clinton, Ludacris, & Timbaland | access-date=January 18, 2020}}

In 2016, Francesa supported Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.{{cite web | date=May 6, 2016| url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/other-sports/news/mike-francesa-wfan-donald-trump-republican-nominee-hillary-clinton/g0bki021p4r01163xuwr5tsyu | title=Sports radio titan Mike Francesa comes out as rabid Donald Trump supporter | access-date=January 18, 2020}} He has expressed support for Trump's position on the national anthem at sporting events, tweeting that the "NFL has lost its way" by allowing players to kneel during the anthem.{{cite web | date=May 24, 2019| url=https://wfan.radio.com/media/audio-channel/mike-francesa-nfl-anthem | title=Mike Francesa on NFL Anthem | access-date=January 18, 2020}} Francesa also brushed off reports that Trump's finances were in trouble, pointing out that he was still able to win the 2016 election.{{cite web | date=July 24, 2019| url=https://www.nj.com/sports/2019/07/donald-trump-lover-mike-francesa-weighs-in-on-robert-mueller-hearing.html | title=WFAN's Mike Francesa throws support behind Donald Trump, dumps on Robert Mueller hearings | access-date=January 18, 2020}}

Despite having voted for Trump, Francesa claimed in January 2020 that he would provide an "unbiased" moderate political perspective on his Radio.com show.

In March 2020, Francesa sharply criticized Trump's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2020/03/31/mike-francesa-blasts-trump-coronavirus-response-157124|title=New York radio icon Mike Francesa lays into Trump over coronavirus response|last=Forgey|first=Quint|website=POLITICO|date=March 31, 2020 |language=en|access-date=2020-03-31}}

During the first week of June 2006, Francesa missed several days on the radio for what was termed as "personal reasons.” Soon after returning on June 8, 2006, he revealed that following medical tests he needed to change his diet because of his struggle with his weight.Phil Mushnick (June 12, 2006), "Luis lite", New York Post. He also admitted to having an angioplasty procedure. Francesa underwent emergency knee surgery on August 31, 2006, to repair a shattered kneecap suffered during a golf game the previous day.Phil Simms interview, Imus in the Morning on WFAN, (September 7, 2006)Mike Francesa, Mike and the Mad Dog on WFAN, (September 8, 2006)

Francesa owns horses through his JEH Racing Stable. In 2021, his two-year-old High Oak won the Grade II Saratoga Special Stakes.{{cite web |author1=BloodHorse Staff |title=Gormley Gets First Black-Type Winner in High Oak |url=https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/252360/gormley-gets-first-black-type-winner-in-high-oak |website=BloodHorse |access-date=15 August 2021 |date=15 August 2021}} In 2022, in partnership with Lee Einsidler's LRE Racing, his horse Casa Creed won the Grade I Fourstardave Handicap at Saratoga. JEH Racing Stable is named for his children Jack, Emily and Harrison.{{cite web |first=Bob |last=Ehalt |url=https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/262196/casa-creed-charges-home-in-fourstardave |title=Casa Creed Charges Home in Fourstardave; The 6-year-old son of Jimmy Creed made a last-to-first move Aug. 13 at Saratoga. |website=BloodHorse |access-date=14 August 2022 |date=13 August 2022}}

In 2012, Mike Francesa was ranked first among the 100 most important sports-talk radio hosts in the U.S. by Talkers Magazine.{{cite web |url=http://www.talkers.com/2012-talkers-heavy-hundred-of-sports-talk/|title=2012 TALKERS Heavy Hundred of Sports Talk|work=Talkers|date=July 20, 2012}} Francesa credited colleagues at WFAN for his success, with a special salute to Russo.{{cite web|url=http://www.talkers.com/category/news/|title=Industry News|work=Talkers |date=July 20, 2012}} He remained the top sports-talk radio host by Talkers in 2013 and 2014.{{cite web |url=http://www.talkers.com/2013-talkers-heavy-hundred-sports-talk/|title=2013 Talkers Heavy Hundred of Sports Talk|work=Talkers|date=November 7, 2013}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2013/11/14/Media/Sports-Radio.aspx|title=WFAN's Mike Francesa Tops Talkers' "Heavy Hundred" of Sports Talk Radio|work=Sports Business Journal|date=November 14, 2013|access-date=May 17, 2022}}{{cite web|url=http://www.talkers.com/2014-talkers-sports-heavy-hundred-1-25/|title=2014 Talkers Sports Heavy Hundred|work=Talkers|date=2014}} Francesa won the 2000 Marconi Award for Major Market Personality of the Year and won again in 2012.{{Cite web| url=http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlny/mike-francesa-and-wbls-are-marconi-award-winners_b68455|title=Mike Francesa and WBLS Are Marconi Award Winners| publisher=FishbowlNY|author=Jerry Barmash|date=September 21, 2012}}{{cite magazine| url=https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/2012-nab-marconi-radio-award-winners| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002050230/http://www.rwonline.com/article/-nab-marconi-radio-award-winners/215603| archive-date=October 2, 2012|title=2012 NAB Marconi Radio Award Winners|magazine=Radio World|date=September 21, 2012|access-date=May 17, 2022}}

New York Post columnist Phil Mushnick and Francesa have waged a long-running public battle, which has continued into 2022.{{cite news |url=https://www.amny.com/sports/mike-francesa-mushnick-rivalry/|title=Mike Francesa provoked by 'Obsessed' NY Post Reporter over 0-3 golf picks |first=Nick |last=Faria |newspaper=AMNY |date=June 27, 2022 |accessdate=December 7, 2022}} At the root of Mushnick's dislike of Francesa is his perception of the latter's egotism, condescension, "know-it-all" attitude, and pomposity. He once accused Francesa and Chris Russo of being recorded demanding loyalty oaths from Jews after the September 11 attacks.{{cite news|last1=Mushnick|first1=Phil|title=Colin Cowherd is coming for Mike Francesa's know-it-all crown|url=https://nypost.com/2020/03/21/colin-cowherd-is-coming-for-mike-francesas-know-it-all-crown/|access-date=December 7, 2022|work=New York Post|date=March 21, 2020}} Francesa has described Mushnick as a "jealous old man". Mushnick's counterpart at the New York Daily News, Bob Raissman, sounded similar themes in 2017 - but noted that Francesa's polarizing approach was what got so many listeners to tune in.{{cite news |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/mike-francesa-ego-hold-special-place-hearts-listeners-article-1.3687964|title=End of an Air-Uh: Love him, hate him, mock him, Mike Francesa and his ego hold special place in hearts of listeners |first=Bob |last=Raissman |work=New York Daily News |date=December 9, 2017 |accessdate=December 7, 2022}}

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• [https://web.archive.org/web/20070106174622/http://www.wfan.com/pages/119231.php Mike Francesa bio on WFAN]

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Category:1954 births

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Category:St. John's University (New York City) alumni