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The network has let go of several prominent NFL voices during the layoff period, including Ryan Clark, who was let go during his appearance on ‘NFL Live’ on Monday.
Former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL MVP Cam Newton is among the major names who are being let go by ESPN.
Multiple reports have revealed Newton, who signed a multiyear extension with the network shortly after joining in 2024, won’t be brought back as it goes through a round of layoffs. Newton joins notable individuals such as Ryan Clark, Bart Scott, and NFL Network analyst Charles Davis as those who were let go.
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The network had originally planned to let Clark go as part of its general round of layoffs, but opted to inform him of their decision on Monday in an attempt to beat media inquiries. Executives felt it was better for him to be informed of his dismissal personally than to read it online.
Chief executive Jimmy Pitaro called the layoffs “difficult decisions.”
“Over the past several months, we’ve made significant progress integrating the NFL assets that we acquired into ESPN,” Pitaro wrote in a memo shared with ESPN employees. “Throughout this process, we have taken the time to carefully evaluate our collective teams, resources and organizational structure to best position us for the future. As a result, we had to make some difficult decisions about job impacts that we will be communicating today.”
He added, “Even in moments like these, the strength of ESPN comes from our people, our teamwork and our shared mission to serve sports fans.”
Newton has seen some ups and downs since his NFL career wound down. He pivoted to media, launching his “4th and 1” podcast as well as his “Funky Fridays” series, where he sat down with fellow celebrities and the names of the day. BET tapped him and Ashley Nicole Moss to host a revamped version of “106 & Park” centered around sports, but the show was canceled after only eight episodes.
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