Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III has found himself unexpectedly out of a job after ESPN decided to part ways with him following three years of collaboration. The surprising news, first reported by Andrew Marchand for The Athletic, marks a significant shake-up at the network as part of what Marchand describes as “budget moves” in anticipation of the fiscal year-end.
The former quarterback, who had two years remaining on his ESPN contract, was reportedly earning a salary exceeding $1 million annually—a figure that, according to Marchand, the network intends to honor despite the termination. Griffin appeared to acknowledge the news through a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, where he hinted at his departure without explicitly confirming it.
Griffin’s career transition from the football field to the broadcasting booth began after he retired from the NFL in 2020. He quickly became a familiar face on ESPN, particularly as an analyst for Monday Night Football. However, his role on the popular program was taken over by the recently retired Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, leading up to the 2024 season. This replacement was a pivotal move that may have set the stage for Griffin’s eventual departure from the network. Robert Griffin III said in his statement
“There were so many awesome experiences and moments that my family and I will never forget from the last 3 years.”
Another notable name impacted by ESPN’s cost-cutting measures is Sam Ponder, the host of Sunday NFL Countdown. Like Griffin, Ponder’s departure is part of the broader budgetary adjustments at ESPN. Marchand notes that Griffin and Ponder are the only two high-profile figures being let go at the end of the network’s fiscal year, making their exits particularly significant.
Griffin’s tenure with ESPN wasn’t just limited to Monday Night Football. He also contributed to Get Up and served as a broadcaster during college football games. His versatility and insight into the game made him a valuable asset to the network, and his initial foray into broadcasting was met with high praise. In fact, back in 2021, Bobby Burack reported for OutKick that both ESPN and Fox Sports were keen on signing Griffin after his audition. Sources described his tryout as “among the top tryouts they have ever viewed,” highlighting the high expectations placed on Griffin as a rising star in the sports broadcasting world.
However, it seems that despite his strong start, Griffin’s momentum at ESPN began to wane. Marchand reported for The Athletic that while Griffin was once seen as a rising star within the network, his career trajectory had plateaued in recent years. This leveling off made him vulnerable, especially with the addition of Kelce, who was highly sought after by other major networks like NBC and CBS. Kelce’s arrival appears to have been a key factor in Griffin’s exclusion from the network’s future plans.
Griffin’s NFL career spanned seven seasons, during which he played for the Washington Football Team, Cleveland Browns, and Baltimore Ravens. Known for his electrifying playing style, Griffin’s career was marked by highs and lows, including being named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2012. Despite his retirement, Griffin hinted last August that an NFL team had reached out to him about a potential return to the league, demonstrating his enduring appeal within the sport.
As Griffin faces this unexpected career transition, many are left to wonder what the future holds for him. With his broadcasting experience and undeniable knowledge of the game, Griffin remains a valuable asset in the sports media industry. Whether he returns to the field, finds a new broadcasting home, or pursues a different path altogether, his story is far from over. For now, his departure from ESPN marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another in his evolving career.
