Chris Berman will assume a much-reduced role at ESPN after the current NFL season, the network announced Thursday.

Berman, 61, who has been with ESPN since shortly after its launch in 1979 and been its primary NFL studio host for 31 years, will step down as host of "Sunday NFL Countdown," "NFL PrimeTime" and "Monday Night Countdown" after Super Bowl LI.

He also will no longer host the NFL draft and Major League Baseball's Home Run Derby.

Berman will appear weekly on the Monday night studio show, conducting taped interviews and hosting historical segments. He also will do baseball play-by-play on ESPN radio during the playoffs and take part in the ESPYs.

"I've been lucky enough to spend almost two-thirds of my life at ESPN, and I am honored to have lent a small hand in laying the cornerstone for what has truly become a beacon in sports,'' Berman said.

"I'm thrilled that this ride will continue, albeit differently. Today's announcement allows me to fulfill perhaps my final professional goal — knowing that I will finish with the team I came in with."

ASSOCIATED PRESS