ESPN Remembers the Legacy of Director Kurt Ackerman

Kurt Ackerman, a studio director for ESPN since 1996 and most recently the lead director on First Take, passed away last week after a five-year cancer battle. He was 58.

Over a quarter century, Ackerman directed countless shows for ESPN including RPM2Night, NBA ShootAround, and NASCAR Now.

“Kurt never put the spotlight on himself, but his work was always admired and appreciated,” says ESPN’s Vice President of Studio Directing Scott Favalora. “His work ethic was amazing, and he continued to direct at a high level even while battling cancer. Throughout his 25 years with ESPN he has mentored so many and befriended even more. I don’t have the words to express how much Kurt will be missed.”

Click here to watch a trio of talent — Molly Qerim Rose, Mike Greenberg, and Scott Van Pelt — remember Ackerman with on-air tributes.