Sun May 25 13:30:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Dan Shanoff, a Managing Editor for The Athletic, reflects on his brief and winless stint as a panelist on ESPN’s “Around the Horn.” Despite appearing on the show five times between 2003 and 2004, he never managed to win an episode. Shanoff recounts his initial eagerness to appear on the show, his attempts to prepare for on-air TV work (including a brief and ill-fated foray into smoking to deepen his voice), and his disappointment when he wasn’t chosen for a larger role on ESPN. He acknowledges his struggles with imposter syndrome and the initial difficulty of watching the show after his appearances ended. Ultimately, Shanoff has come to appreciate his experience on “Around the Horn” and the opportunity it provided, viewing it as a valuable part of his career and a connection to a significant piece of sports media history as the show ends its run.
**News Article:**
**”Around the Horn” Farewell: Panelist Reminisces on Legendary Losing Streak**
NEW YORK – As ESPN’s “Around the Horn” prepares to air its final episode after 23 years, one former panelist is embracing a unique distinction: the record for most appearances without a single win. Dan Shanoff, now a Managing Editor for The Athletic, appeared on the show five times in the early 2000s, but never managed to come out on top.
“It’s a point of enormous pride,” Shanoff joked, reflecting on his winless record. “I feel like the 1972 Dolphins when the last unbeaten team during the NFL season finally loses.”
Shanoff recounted his initial eagerness to join the show, which he saw as a platform for newspaper sports columnists, and his attempts to prepare for the world of on-air television. He revealed a short-lived attempt to lower his voice by smoking cigarettes after being compared to the puppet Topo Gigio by a fellow panelist. Shanoff also discussed his disappointment at missing out on an opportunity for a larger role on ESPN, including being considered as a potential debate partner for Woody Paige on “Cold Pizza”
While Shanoff initially struggled with imposter syndrome and found it difficult to watch the show after his appearances ended, he has come to appreciate his experience. He now views his time on “Around the Horn” as a valuable opportunity and a connection to the show’s legacy as a breeding ground for sports media talent. He even recently visited the set to thank host Tony Reali.
“It was always my dream to be a national TV pundit,” Shanoff said. “Instead of saying I ‘only’ got to do that a couple times, I finally learned to say ‘at least’ I got to do that a couple times.”
As “Around the Horn” signs off, Shanoff’s story serves as a reminder that even in the competitive world of sports media, there’s value in embracing the experience, even if it doesn’t always result in a win.
First Piper 