Rush Limbaugh A lightning rod for controversy, talk show host Limbaugh was widely criticized for a 2003 incident during his brief stint at ESPN. During a pregame broadcast he claimed Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb was overrated because of his race. 'I think what we've had here is a little social concern in the NFL,' Limbaugh said. 'The media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well.' He resigned from the show the next week.