RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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ESPN
The personnel changes at ESPN continued Wednesday. Damien Woody, who began his career as an NFL analyst at the Worldwide Leader immediately following a 12-year playing career as an offensive lineman, has been let go.
Andrew Marchand of The Athletic first reported the news. According to Marchand, Woody was not a victim of ESPN’s latest round of layoffs; rather, his contract was up and not renewed.
The 48-year-old on-air personality will remain with the network through August, which is reportedly Woody’s choice.
“After ESPN informed Woody of the decision a few weeks ago, the two sides discussed his staying, but nothing was worked out,” Marchand wrote. “Woody will pursue other avenues.”
Woody speaks out
After the news broke, Woody took to social media to offer his perspective on the matter. It doesn’t sound like he is holding any ill will toward his longtime employer.
“Still processing it all but I want to thank all of my colleagues at ESPN who made it a joy to talk ball for 15 yrs,” Woody tweeted . “Being a guy who had a serious speech impediment to working on tv was truly one of my proudest accomplishments. Looking forward to what God has in store for me next!”
Woody announced his retirement from the NFL on July 26, 2011. Less than two weeks later, he made his ESPN debut. Over the years, the two-time Super Bowl champion was a key contributor on SportsCenter, NFL Live, Get Up!, First Take and other ESPN programs.
Tributes pour in
Several of Woody’s colleagues both at ESPN and around the NFL world offered words of encouragement and appreciation in the wake of his ESPN departure.
“A good good dude,” wrote ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky .
“You were a pleasure to work with there,” added ESPN analyst and former NFL executive Andrew Brandt.
“My teammate forever,” chimed in Stephania Bell, who was part of the company’s most recent round of layoffs.
“Great run by a legend. And a mistake letting him go,” added Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic.
“Big loss for ESPN on the eve of football season. Excellent football analyst. Will miss him on Get Up,” offered media reporter Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports.
It’s too early to say where Woody will end up next, but he’s still young and has an impressive resume both as a player and analyst. He should land on his feet.
“At the end of the day, I just want to talk ball,” Woody told The Athletic.
The post Damien Woody breaks silence on being let go by ESPN appeared first on The Comeback: Today’s Top Sports Stories & Reactions .
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