Mike Greenberg’s broadcasting career has taken him from Chicago radio studios to the center chair of ESPN’s Get Up, but some of the most formative lessons of his professional life were learned long before the national spotlight.
During a recent appearance on Chicago sports radio station 104.3 The Score, Greenberg reflected on the influence of legendary host Terry Boers, who passed away on Friday, and the lasting impact Boers had on his development. Greenberg joined The Score during its early years, arriving as a young broadcaster surrounded by established voices who already commanded enormous respect in the Chicago market.
“Guys like Terry Boers, Mike North, Dan Jiggetts, Tom Schaer and Dan McNeil. Those guys were like gods to me,” explained Greenberg during the station’s celebration of life broadcast in Boers’ memory. “They were the sun, and we orbited around them. Everything that I know about broadcasting, I started learning there.”
From his perspective at the time, the station’s lineup felt untouchable, filled with personalities he viewed less as colleagues and more as institutions. While Greenberg consumed every show on the station, his education became especially concentrated during his time working on the afternoon program hosted by Dan McNeil and Boers. The experience served as a practical graduate program in broadcasting, offering daily lessons that extended far beyond basic mechanics.
“I got my masters in broadcasting at The Score. Primarily working on the Heavy Fuel Crew show,” said Greenberg. “Dan McNeil was as good at the fundamentals of radio as anyone I’ve ever heard. I learned how to do what I’ve done on the radio for my whole career from Dan and because of the overwhelming magnitude of Terry Boers personality.”
According to Greenberg, Boers’ influence went well beyond on-air performance. What stood out most was Boers’ rare ability to blend intelligence and humor in a way that felt effortless. Greenberg described him as the funniest person he had ever known, noting that the humor wasn’t rooted in shock or silliness, but rather in sharp thinking and quick insight.
“I realized that his [Boers] wit was based primarily in his extraordinary intelligence. Some humor is kind of dumb humor, but his humor was incredibly smart,” noted Greenberg.
Equally important was Boers’ demeanor in the workplace. Despite his stature, Greenberg recalled him as approachable, good-natured, and easy to work with, traits that made learning from him feel natural rather than intimidating. Boers’ professionalism, combined with his personality, created an environment where young broadcasters could grow simply by being around him.
“I learned as much from working for, working with, and being around Terry Boers. Honestly, as I have from anyone in my entire career,” said Greenberg.
Looking back, Greenberg said the time spent working with Boers remains among the most valuable of his career. The lessons were not delivered formally, but absorbed through observation, collaboration, and shared moments both on and off the air. Decades later, those experiences continue to shape Greenberg’s approach to broadcasting, serving as a reminder of the profound influence a single mentor can have.
As tributes to Boers continue across Chicago and beyond, Greenberg’s reflections underscore why his legacy extends far beyond ratings or headlines.
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