when I finally got a one-on-one interview with Jordan.” The Dream Job ArrIves In October of 1998, Silverman made a move that he had been aiming for since his SIU days. He joined Chicago’s ESPN 1000 as one of the station’s original hires, serving as Bears beat reporter
from 1998-2003 and hosting their preand postgame shows from 2000-2003. The next year, he entered the talk show arena as co-host for the “Jay Mariotti Show,” and in 2005 teamed up with Carmen DeFalco for radio sports talk. The real match, however, would come in 2006 when he and former Bears’ receiver Tom Waddle would become partners on the “Waddle and Silvy Show.”
The Marc SIlverman FIle
Still together eight years later, the duo is now a drive-time staple in the Windy City. Their chemistry, humor, and preparation is matched by mutual respect. Although he and Waddle meet before each show to map out a plan, things often take a crazy and fun path listeners seem to enjoy. After many years together, they come across as a perfect blend. “Tom is like a big brother to me. We
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Education: Grew up in Skokie and attended Niles North High School. Graduated from Southern Illinois University, where he majored in radio/television, was named Top 25 Most Distinguished Seniors (out of more than 20,000 students), and spent two years as sports director of the University student radio station.
Career Background: Has been in the radio business since graduating at SIU in 1993 and in Chicago radio since 1995 First sports job was in Estherville, Iowa, as the sports director of KILR Radio (1993-95) Spent 1995-98 as primary sports reporter at WGN Radio, where he covered three Bulls Championships, hosted Cubs pregames, covered all Bears practices and games, Blackhawks home games, and anchored nighttime sports report Has been at ESPN 1000 since October of 1998 (one of the stations original hires), where he served as Bears beat reporter from 1998-2003 and hosted Bears preand postgame shows from 2000-03 Became talk show host in 2004 as co-host of the Jay Mariotti Show Hosted Silvy & Carmen in 2005-06 Hosted Waddle & Silvy since 2006
Unique Experiences: Covered six Super Bowls as a reporter Covered three Bulls Championships Hosted National ESPN Radio coverage of All-Star Game HR derby in 2003 Covered Mark McGwire’s 61st and 62nd HRs in St. Louis in 1998
Sports Fan Experiences: A diehard Cubs, Bulls and Bears fan, Silverman grew up with Cubs and Bulls season tickets Remains a huge Saluki booster
Personal: Married to Allie They live in the city with Cosmo (Jack Russell terrier) Active athlete, especially on the softball field Enjoys public speaking appearances, including many charity auctions
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When he joined ESPN 1000 in 1998, Silverman was one of the station’s first employees.
Southern Alumni