“Chris Broussard leaving Fox Sports Radio after eight years.” The New York Post published an exclusive on media veteran Chris Broussard about a week ago with this headline. The 55-year-old is leaving his co-host, Rob Parker, and their beloved podcast, The Odd Couple With Chris Broussard & Rob Parker. Needless to say, there was a flurry of frantic messages from fans of the show questioning the truth of the matter. And now, the man in question himself came forward with satisfying answers and much-needed closure.

In the latest episode of their pod, Broussard confirmed the news. He was indeed leaving the show, but not because of any beef with Parker or any of the far-fetched narratives out there. So, what exactly is the reason? Let’s hear it from Broussard himself. “I’m just leaving to focus on television people,” Chris stated, simply.

“I’m one of the co-hosts along with Nick Wright and Kevin Wilds of First Things First on FS1. And I’ve been doing that and the Odd Couple for the past two or three years. It’s a long grind. It’s not undoable, of course, but it’s a long grind. Basically been working from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, so it’s a complete lifestyle move,” Chris further explained on the pod.

The former point guard (Oberlin College, Ohio) just put an end to all the stories circulating around with his detailing. In fact, both Parker and Broussard have been friends for 32 years, and Rob was one of the first people who knew that his close friend and co-host would be leaving the Odd Couple for quite a while. “We were able to keep it quiet, Rob. That’s a testament to us,” Chris pointed out.

But is that all the reason for his move?

Chris Broussard plans to spend more time with wife and “have fun”

As mentioned above, Chris has been completely dedicated to his craft. But now with fewer responsibilities, the popular sports analyst prefers to spend more time with his wife of 29 years, Crystal Naii Collins. “My daughters [Alexis and Noelle] are adults now. They’re out of the house. My wife and I are empty nesters and we just want to have more time to hang out together, Rob, and have fun,” he said, more for the benefit of the viewers.

Aside from that, he also runs a national Christian men’s organization called The K.I.N.G. Movement. It helps men who follow the Christian faith and lifestyle by providing support, accountability, teaching, fellowship, and brotherhood. Chris Broussard mentioned that the extra time will help him spend more time on the org as well as some individual things he has planned.

But Chris Broussard did not forget to give credit to Don Martin, the Executive VP of iHeartRadio, and Scott Shapiro, the senior VP of iHeart and Fox Sports Radio. “They discovered us,” he stated emphatically. After leaving ESPN, Broussard did not have a permanent fixture anywhere. He kept flitting in and out of different shows with multiple hosts. But one fine day, everything changed.

“I had a podcast at the time for FS1 called ‘In The Zone’ and I had you on as a guest. And Don Martin heard it and loved it and was like ‘Why aren’t you two doing radio together?’ He was like, ‘I think you guys would be great on radio!'” And after a test run six years ago, Parker and Broussard became a show.

In fact, they became “the first two African-American men to have a nationally syndicated radio show.”

Broussard’s final appearance on the show will be next Friday, September 13. So, stay tuned! As will we.

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger