Limbaugh makes ESPN debut on NFL pregame show

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) _ Commentator Rush Limbaugh made his ESPN debut at a fitting location _ just outside Washington, D.C. <br><br>It's familiar territory for the right-wing radio host best known for

Friday, September 5th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) _ Commentator Rush Limbaugh made his ESPN debut at a fitting location _ just outside Washington, D.C.

It's familiar territory for the right-wing radio host best known for his politically focused ``Rush Limbaugh Show,'' which is syndicated in more than 650 markets worldwide.

``This is sort of like the fulfillment of a dream for me,'' Limbaugh said Thursday night after being introduced on ESPN's ``Sunday NFL Countdown.'' Host Chris Berman even commented on the appropriateness of Limbaugh's first name.

``You've got a football name,'' Berman said in the broadcast leading up to the season's opening game between the New York Jets and the Washington Redskins.

Limbaugh then gave a spoken essay on the lure of football and the hold it has on its fans _ mixing in just the faintest bit of politics.

``Essentially, my friends, football is something you can invest total passion in without consequence. Try that with a woman or another man, whatever,'' Limbaugh said.

He then got into a good-natured debate with Berman on the status of the Buffalo Bills of the early 1990s as a dynasty.

The Redskins won the season opener, 16-13.