Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III has found himself gone from ESPN after his services were terminated. This led Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders to send him a message of support amid his firing.
ESPN has made significant changes to its on-air talent, parting ways with Griffin and Samantha Ponder. The former had been working as a college football and NFL analyst since joining the network in 2021.
He was a part of the Monday Night Countdown program in the 2022 season, but was replaced this offseason by former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce. Furthermore, ESPN will honor the remaining two years on Griffin’s multi-million dollar contract.
In another high-profile departure, ESPN has also terminated its relationship with Samantha Ponder, who had been hosting the Sunday NFL Countdown show. Ponder had been with the network since 2011, previously serving as a reporter for Saturday Night Football on ABC and a contributor to College GameDay.
The firings of Griffin and Ponder are part of ESPN’s ongoing budgetary evaluations as it approaches the end of its fiscal year. Possible replacements for Ponder on Sunday NFL Countdown include NFL Live host Laura Rutledge and Get Up host Mike Greenberg.
Robert Griffin III Gets Awesome Message From Deion Sanders After ESPN Firing
Deion Sanders delivered a heartfelt message to Griffin after his abrupt firing from ESPN. In a post on his official account on X, Sanders expressed his disappointment and empathy, stating that the decision was “truly unfortunate” and that Griffin’s talent and character were unquestionable.
Love ya my brother! I believe in you and what u stand for and tell the girls Uncle Prime said Hi. https://t.co/2GZv2mu4j1
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) August 21, 2024
The message underscores Sanders’ commitment to supporting his fellow athletes, even those not directly connected to his current coaching role. It also highlights the camaraderie and mutual respect that exists within the football community, where seasoned professionals like Sanders recognize the value of lifting up their peers during challenging times.
As Sanders embarks on his new chapter with the Colorado Buffaloes, his compassionate response to Griffin’s situation serves as a reminder that true leadership extends beyond the gridiron, encompassing an understanding of the human element that is so often overlooked in the high-stakes world of professional sports.
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