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A longtime staple of ESPN’s NFL coverage, Damien Woody is out at the network, Woody told The Athletic.
“Being at ESPN for 15 years, it’s been an absolute joy,” Woody said.
Woody’s contract was not renewed. He will appear on the air for the remainder of the month, including Thursday, by his choice.
ESPN views these decisions differently from the recent layoffs, which included Karl Ravech and Ryan Clark. Ravech, too, is still on the air as he is scheduled to call Wednesday’s New York Yankees-Seattle Mariners game and the Little League World Series.
Clark was informed during a break in “NFL Live” last month. He did not finish the program.
Woody, 48, played 12 NFL seasons with the New England Patriots, the Detroit Lions and the New York Jets. He won two Super Bowls with the Patriots and was selected for the 2002 Pro Bowl.
He overcame a childhood stutter to become a go-to analyst for ESPN on a variety of shows, including “Get Up,” “First Take,” “Fantasy Football Now” and “SportsCenter.”
Woody is the latest NFL analyst to be let go. Besides Clark, Bart Scott, an ESPN New York talk show host and NFL analyst, was among those laid off and had an expiring contract like Woody.
Woody made nearly seven figures as ESPN kept him four years ago after an aggressive pursuit from FS1 to poach him. FS1’s leadership wanted to pair Woody with New York City radio host Craig Carton on a flagship morning show.
Woody had a year left on his deal, allowing ESPN to block the move, and the network gave him a new extension. Carton’s show failed in the ratings and was canceled after a short run.
Former ESPN executives Norby Williamson and David Roberts, along with Woody’s current boss, Seth Markman, were instrumental in Woody’s staying power, according to Woody. He also credited Mike Greenberg of “Get Up” and Stephen A. Smith of “First Take” for his ESPN success.
After ESPN informed Woody of the decision a few weeks ago, the two sides discussed his staying, but nothing was worked out. Woody will pursue other avenues.
“At the end of the day, I just want to talk ball,” Woody said.
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