Former Eagles star Jon Runyan to join WIP

As the anchor chairs shift on Sportsradio 94.1 WIP, the station has landed an Eagles legend to bolster its on-air football coverage just as the season looms.

Sources say that former Congressman and ex-Eagles legend Jon Runyan will join WIP as an on-air personality. His first spot will be on Friday morning as part of the WIP Morning Show with Angelo Cataldi.

Runyan was among the finalists considered for the drive-time co-hosting spot alongside Josh Innes, and was well-liked by listeners and WIP management during his co-hosting stints.

Runyan's role at the station, at least in part, will be to fill the gap left by fellow former Eagle Hollis Thomas, who along with WIP program director Spike Eskin will fill the drive-time void left by the sudden retirement of Tony Bruno.

Listeners can expect to hear Runyan's football expertise as part of the WIP Morning Show, as well as co-host the station's Eagles pregame coverage on Sundays.

With Runyan's son playing guard for Michigan this season, don't expect the former All-Pro to take over Thomas' now-vacant Saturday afternoon spot. Though a replacement to co-host with Rob Charry has yet to be picked, sources suggest a former athlete is likely to step into the role.

WIP seems to have found a formula that works in recruiting ex-Eagles players and throwing them behind the microphone. In addition to Runyan and Thomas, who joined WIP back in 2011, former defensive end Hugh Douglas and linebacker Ike Reese have found success at the station.

Runyan played 14 seasons in the NFL for the Oilers/Titans, Eagles and Chargers before making a successful run for Congress in 2010. Runyan represented New Jersey's Third District, which includes parts of Burlington, Camden and Ocean counties, for two terms before deciding not to seek re-election in 2013.