Max Kellerman is a prominent American sports television personality and boxing commentator, renowned for his insightful analysis and articulate on-screen presence. He is widely recognized for his lengthy tenure at ESPN, where he co-hosted the popular debate show First Take and helmed other programs such as This Just In with Max Kellerman. With a career rooted in a deep passion for boxing, Kellerman has established himself as one of the most respected voices in the sport, having also served as a commentator for HBO’s World Championship Boxing.
Max Kellerman Overview
| Full Name | Max Kellerman |
| Date of Birth | August 6, 1973 |
| Birthplace | The Bronx, New York, U.S. |
| Profession | Sports Television Personality, Boxing Commentator |
| Education | Columbia University (B.A. in History) |
| Spouse | Erin Manning Kellerman |
| Children | 3 (Esther, Sam, Mira) |
| Notable Shows | First Take, This Just In, HBO World Championship Boxing, Friday Night Fights |
| Net Worth | Estimated $6 million |
Early Life and Education of Max Kellerman
Max Kellerman was born in the Bronx and raised in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City. He attended Hunter College High School, graduating in 1991. Kellerman’s passion for boxing emerged at a young age, and as a teenager, he began his broadcasting career with a public-access television show focused on the sport, titled Max on Boxing. He later enrolled at Columbia University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history in 1998.
Max Kellerman’s Career
Kellerman’s professional career in sports broadcasting began to take shape in the late 1990s when he was hired as an analyst for ESPN’s boxing series Friday Night Fights. His insightful commentary and deep knowledge of the sport quickly gained him recognition. In 2002, he became the original host of the ESPN panel talk show Around the Horn.
After his initial stint with ESPN, Kellerman hosted I, Max on Fox Sports Net. He later joined HBO as a commentator for Boxing After Dark and eventually became a fixture on the broadcast team for HBO World Championship Boxing. His articulate and analytical style made him a respected voice in the boxing community.
Kellerman’s career came full circle when he returned to ESPN in a more prominent role. He co-hosted the sports talk show SportsNation from 2013 to 2016. In July 2016, he was chosen to succeed Skip Bayless as a co-host of ESPN’s highly-rated morning debate show, First Take, alongside Stephen A. Smith. Kellerman’s sharp wit and well-reasoned arguments provided a compelling counterpoint to Smith’s bombastic style, leading to five years of spirited debates.
In September 2021, Kellerman departed from First Take and transitioned to hosting a new afternoon show on ESPN called This Just In with Max Kellerman. He also co-hosted the ESPN Radio morning show Keyshawn, JWill and Max. In June 2023, Kellerman was among the on-air personalities laid off by ESPN.
Following his departure from ESPN, Kellerman made his return to boxing commentary. In September 2025, it was announced that he would be part of the broadcast team for the highly anticipated fight between Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford on Netflix. He also co-hosts a new boxing show on DAZN called Inside The Ring.
Max Kellerman Personal Life & Family
Max Kellerman is married to Erin Manning Kellerman, an attorney. The couple has three daughters: Esther, Sam, and Mira. The family has faced significant tragedy with the loss of Max’s younger brother, Sam Kellerman, in 2004. Sam, who was also a writer who covered boxing, was murdered. This was a profoundly difficult period for the Kellerman family.
Awards and Achievements of Max Kellerman
While a comprehensive list of all of Max Kellerman’s accolades is not readily available, his work has been recognized within the industry. In 2002, he was nominated for a Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Personality – Studio Analyst for his work on ESPN2.
Max Kellerman Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Max Kellerman’s net worth is estimated to be around $6 million. His income has been primarily derived from his successful career as a sports television personality and boxing commentator for major networks like ESPN and HBO.
Legacy and Influence
Max Kellerman has established a legacy as a highly intelligent and articulate sports analyst. His deep understanding of boxing, coupled with his ability to articulate complex points, has made him a respected figure in sports media. His tenure on First Take is remembered for the high-level of debate and discussion he brought to the show. He is also admired for his passion for the “sweet science” of boxing and his ability to convey that passion to a broad audience.
Interesting Facts about Max Kellerman
In the 1990s, Max and his brother Sam were part of a hip-hop group called “Max and Sam” and were signed to Columbia Records.
Kellerman is a fan of hip-hop music, with the Wu-Tang Clan being one of his favorite groups.
He is known to be a fan of the New York Yankees and the New York Giants.
Kellerman has a small scar on the left side of his mouth from a childhood accident.
Controversies
In 2014, Kellerman was briefly suspended from ESPN after he shared a story on his radio show about a past incident where he and his then-girlfriend, now wife, had slapped each other at a college party. The comments came in the wake of the Ray Rice domestic violence incident and were met with criticism. Kellerman later expressed regret for his comments.
Social Media Presence
Max Kellerman maintains a presence on social media, where he shares his opinions on sports and interacts with his followers. He can be found on Twitter, though he is not as active on Instagram.
Final Words about Max Kellerman
Max Kellerman’s career is a testament to his enduring passion for sports, particularly boxing. From his early days in public-access television to his prominent roles at ESPN and HBO, he has consistently provided insightful and thought-provoking commentary. After his departure from ESPN, Kellerman has returned to his roots in boxing, signaling a new chapter in his career. His knowledge and articulate delivery ensure that he will remain a significant voice in the world of sports broadcasting for years to come.
