‘Cheeky’ Chris Russo takes a brutal dig at Stephen A. Smith following his return from long vacation: “Thoughts on Chiefs-Niners in Super Bowl?”

Chris Russo humorously questioned Stephen A. Smith about his thoughts on the Super Bowl LVIII referencing his month-long vacation.

‘Cheeky’ Chris Russo takes a brutal dig at Stephen A. Smith following his return from long vacation: “Thoughts on Chiefs-Niners in Super Bowl?”

Stephen A. Smith and Chris Russo (Via Imago/SI)

Sports analyst Stephen A. Smith, whose face had been missing from ESPN since early July, finally made his return to the show. And as he returned, he was welcomed with a playoff jibe by his friendly rival, Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo. 

During the recent episode of ESPN’s First Take, Russo humorously questioned Smith about his thoughts on the Super Bowl LVIII between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers earlier this year in February. Mad Dog, who is well known for his outspoken and entertaining commentary, was referencing the long vacation the ESPN analyst took for around a month. 

YouTube video
Steve, what were your thoughts on Chiefs-Niners in the Super Bowl? We haven't heard from you in such a long time.
Russo asked giving the studio a big laugh. 
It was a good game.
Smith replied before appreciating Russo’s humor with a big laugh.

After returning from the vacation, Smith now has a bigger question regarding his contract with ESPN, which is in its final stages. He wants a lucrative $20 million deal but the outlet isn’t ready to pay such a hefty number. 

FS Video
RELATED
Colin Kaepernick ‘considering’ reuniting with former head coach Jim Harbaugh at Chargers
Colin Kaepernick is 'considering' reuniting with former head coach Jim Harbaugh at Chargers

Chris Russo predicts Stephen A. Smith will stay with ESPN

Speaking on the subject, Mag Dog as well underlined his thoughts on the potential extension for Smith. While he believes the analyst will remain with ESPN, he also highlighted the positive aspects of doing so. Russo– who considers Smith a “company man,” believes that he would lose his fame once he leaves the network. 

They’re still the biggest one. More people will watch that than will put it on Peacock to watch it on that, or Netflix or something like that…Stevie is too smart. I think he does understand. I haven’t asked him, but he understands, I’m assuming, the power of ESPN. They have the NBA. They got the Finals. They’re the No. 1 partner for the NBA…and that’s his favorite sport. He loves the personalities in the NBA…He leaves ESPN, he loses all of that. He’s too bright not to understand that. I would think he’d stay.
Russo said.
5-year $125 million contract set to make ESPN's Stephen A. Smith highest paid sports broadcaster in history
Stephen A. Smith

Highting the long-standing relations between Smith and ESPN, Russo argued that it would be quite shocking if the two parties didn’t reach a satisfactory agreement by the end day. 

In case you missed: