You know that feeling when you wake up at 5:45 AM, the sun isn't even thinking about coming up yet, and you just need someone to tell you why the Giants or Jets ruined your night? That’s the space Rick DiPietro and Dave Rothenberg have occupied for a long time. Honestly, sports radio in New York is a battlefield. It's loud. It’s opinionated. Usually, it's just a lot of guys yelling over each other about batting averages.
But DiPietro and Rothenberg live hits different.
It’s not just the X’s and O’s. It’s the chemistry between a former NHL All-Star who was once the "savior" of the Islanders and a veteran radio pro who lives and dies with Big Blue. If you’ve ever tuned into 880 ESPN New York or watched them on their relatively new YouTube simulcast, you know it feels more like sitting in a diner with two buddies who happen to know way too much about the salary cap.
What is DiPietro and Rothenberg Live actually about?
Most people think morning sports radio is just highlights. It’s not. Not this show. DiPietro and Rothenberg live functions as a support group for the Tri-State area. Rick DiPietro—yeah, the guy the Islanders signed to that infamous 15-year contract—brings a "player’s perspective" that isn't stiff. He’s self-deprecating. He knows people make fun of his injuries, and he leans into it.
Then you’ve got Dave Rothenberg. Dave is the "everyman," but with the institutional memory of a sports historian.
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The show currently runs from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM ET. It’s the lead-off hitter for the ESPN New York lineup. While the station has gone through a ton of changes—moving from 98.7 FM to the 880 AM dial and doubling down on local digital content—this duo has remained the bedrock. They cover the Mets, Yankees, Knicks, Rangers, and everyone else, but the NFL talk is where the show really finds its gear. Especially right now in January 2026, with the Giants making waves by landing John Harbaugh. Dave’s reactions to the "Harbaugh Era" starting in East Rutherford have been legendary.
Why the Live Stream is Changing the Game
Radio isn't just for cars anymore. If you're looking for DiPietro and Rothenberg live, you're probably looking for the video feed. In late 2025, the show made a massive push onto YouTube.
Seeing Rick’s expressions when Dave starts a "Rothenberg Rant" adds a layer you just don't get through a speaker. They’ve got RJ Santillo and "Ray" in the booth too, and the banter between the hosts and the producers is half the fun. It’s basically a four-man comedy troupe that occasionally breaks down the Knicks' defensive rotations.
- The Schedule: Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM.
- The Vibe: High energy, heavy sarcasm, and deep-cut New York references.
- Where to find it: 880 ESPN New York, the ESPN New York App, and the live YouTube stream.
The move to 880 AM was a big deal for the station. It was about reclaiming a massive signal and focusing entirely on local New York fans. While national shows like Greeny still exist, the heart of this station is the 13 consecutive hours of local programming. D&R starts that engine every single morning.
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The Chemistry Problem (And Why They Solved It)
Most radio pairings feel forced. You can tell when two guys are just "work friends." But with Rick and Dave, the friction feels real because it is. They disagree on almost everything. Rick is the optimist; Dave is the professional pessimist.
I remember a recent segment where they were arguing about the Jets' pursuit of a quarterback—the kind of circular argument that could go on for hours. In the hands of lesser hosts, it’s boring. With them, it becomes a psychodrama about the pain of being a New York sports fan.
They also do these segments like "Football Frenzy" and "Knobservations" that keep the pace moving. You’re never stuck in one topic for too long. If you hate hockey, wait five minutes; they’ll be talking about why the Mets didn't spend enough on a middle-reliever.
How to get the most out of the show
- Watch the YouTube Stream: The visual gags are worth it.
- Use the Podcast for "Best Of" Moments: If you can't handle four hours, the "Best of D&R" podcast drops daily around noon.
- Call In: They actually take calls. Unlike some national shows that feel like a gated community, they want to hear from the guy driving a delivery truck in Queens.
What people get wrong about Rick DiPietro
There’s this lingering idea that because Rick was a "bust" (harsh word, but people use it) due to his injuries, he shouldn't be an authority. That’s total nonsense.
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Being the #1 overall pick and then dealing with the physical and mental toll of those injuries gives him a perspective most "talking heads" lack. He knows what it’s like to be the most hated person in a stadium. That empathy makes his analysis of struggling stars—like whatever is going on with the Jets' QB situation—actually insightful. He isn't just kicking a guy when he's down; he's been there.
Actionable Steps for the D&R Fan
If you want to stay in the loop with DiPietro and Rothenberg live, start by subscribing to the ESPN New York YouTube channel. Set your notifications for 6:00 AM. If you’re a commuter, download the ESPN New York app because the 880 AM signal is great, but the digital stream is crystal clear.
Don't just listen for the scores. Listen for the "Friday Picks" segments or the way Dave loses his mind when a caller brings up a bad take from three years ago. That’s where the real value is. They aren't just reporting the news; they're living the same sports-induced misery that you are. And somehow, they make it fun.
Check out the "Best Of" episodes on Apple Podcasts or iHeart if you miss the morning window. It's the easiest way to catch up on the John Harbaugh era or the latest David Stearns moves without committing your whole morning. Keep an eye on their social media too—Rick is surprisingly active with fans, and the behind-the-scenes clips from the studio often show the stuff that gets cut during commercial breaks.