SPORTS CENTER's Jay Crawford Signs Multi-Year Contract with ESPN

Jay Crawford has signed a multi-year contract extension to remain with ESPN, continuing his role as SportsCenter anchor in the Bristol, Conn. studios, as well as a regular host of "SportsCenter on the Road" stops at sports' biggest events, including this week's annual Little League World Series.

"I am thrilled to be staying at ESPN for several more years - if they are as fun and rewarding as the first 12 years, I'm in for a great treat!," Crawford said. "ESPN is the premiere destination for sports fans and I consider it both a great honor and privilege to continue to live my dream every day."

Crawford, who has served as co-anchor of the mid-day SportsCenter since July 2012, joined ESPN in August of 2003 as a co-host of ESPN2's weekday morning show Cold Pizza (rechristened FIRST TAKE in May 2007).

"This is a very happy day for SportsCenter," said Rob King, Senior Vice President, SportsCenter and News. "Jay's love for sports and his passion for engaging sports fans shine through every show he does."

Crawford engaging Cavaliers mascots during a "SportsCenter on the Road" stop in Cleveland

A Sandusky, Ohio native and noted Cleveland sports fan, Crawford began his sports television career in 1987 at WYMT-TV Hazard, Ky., served as sports anchor/reporter for WBNS-TV in Columbus, Ohio (1993-1998), and graduated from Bowling Green University in Ohio in 1987. Prior to joining ESPN, he served as sports director at WFTS-TV in Tampa, Fla. (March 1998-August 2003), covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2003 SUPER BOWL Championship.