Mike Adamle, principal sports anchor at WMAQ-Channel 5, is expected to succeed the late Tim Weigel in the same role at WBBM-Channel 2. Insiders at the CBS-owned station said the move will be announced today, with Adamle heading a sports staff that includes Howard Sudberry and Chris Boden.

Walt DeHaven, vice president and general manager of Channel 2, previously had said his goal was hiring someone with Chicago roots and a strong connection to the local sports scene. 

Adamle, 51, a former Northwestern University football star and Bears running back, joined Channel 5 in 1998 from ESPN2. His current deal with the NBC-owned station expires this fall.

"Over the past three years, Mike has made great contributions to our television station, both on and off the air," said Larry Wert, president and general manager of Channel 5. "We thank him, and we wish him the very best."

Adamle delivered a spirited eulogy at Weigel's funeral on June 20. The two worked together in the 1980s at WLS-Channel 7.

Mike Adamle first came to the Chicago area to attend Northwestern University and play football for the Wildcats. By the time he graduated in 1971, he had been team captain, All-American fullback and Big Ten MVP his senior season (1970). He is considered one of Northwestern’s all-time greats, and can still claim four NU rushing records.

He then went on to a successful seven-year NFL career. Adamle was a fourth-round draft choice of the Kansas City Chiefs (1971-72). He then played for the New York Jets (1973-74). Fans couldn’t be happier when he returned home to play with the Chicago Bears (1975-77).

After retiring from the National Football League, he joined NBC Sports from 1977-83, where he hosted SportsWorld, co-hosted the network’s NFL pre-game show (1978-81) and handled a variety of assignments, including three Super Bowls. He also was the sideline reporter for ABC Sports’ coverage of the USFL in 1984.

Adamle was the sports anchor/reporter for WLS-TV/Chicago from 1983-89.

From 1989-94, Adamle handled Wide World of Sports assignments for ABC Sports. He hosted American Gladiators, a popular syndicated series from 1989-94.

Adamle came to WMAQ-TV/Chicago from ESPN2 where he hosted a college football studio show each Saturday during the season beginning in 1996. He also hosted The X Games late night and Destination Extreme programming, along with the network’s Pro Beach Volleyball and World Special Olympics coverage. Adamle joined ESPN in 1994 as college football’s lead sideline reporter. He previously worked for the network in 1985 as an analyst for the United States Football League (USFL).

Adamle recently completed the "Ironman" triathlon competition in Hawaii. 

Adamle and his wife Kim, have a daughter Alex.