In a significant shakeup at ESPN, the network has terminated the contracts of “Sunday NFL Countdown” host Samantha Ponder and analyst Robert Griffin III, according to insiders. The Athletic reported the development Thursday.
The layoffs are part of a broader financial austerity measure as ESPN approaches the end of its fiscal year in late September. Both Ponder and Griffin, who earned salaries in the seven-figure range, were informed of their layoffs Thursday morning, a source said. Neither Griffin nor Ponder have publicly commented on their layoffs, though Griffin acknowledged the situation in a series of posts on his X profile.
Griffin expressed his gratitude online, saying, “I am grateful to everyone who has supported me and helped me grow at ESPN, which is home to some of the most talented people in the business… A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who has been there for my family throughout my sports and broadcasting career.”
Ponder, who was entering the final season of a three-year, $3 million-plus deal, served exclusively as a co-host of “Sunday NFL Countdown.” ESPN often reserves such prominent roles for notables like Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Peyton Manning.
Sources are suggesting that “NFL Live” host Laura Rutledge and “Get Up” host Mike Greenberg are being considered as possible replacements for Ponder, with Greenberg leading the way as the frontrunner.
These are the only terminations announced by ESPN so far, though additional cuts could be considered before the fiscal year ends in September. The layoffs follow a massive reduction in June, which released nearly 20 high-profile names, including Jeff Van Gundy and Jalen Rose.
Griffin, previously seen as a rising star at ESPN, had two years left on his contract. He joined ESPN after a competitive bidding war with Fox Sports, who were impressed with his audition, describing it as one of the best they had ever seen.
In his final season, Griffin was a featured college football analyst alongside Sean McDonough before being replaced by Greg McElroy. Despite his high salary, ESPN significantly reduced Griffin's role before deciding not to renew his contract.
Griffin was previously removed from “Monday Night Countdown,” where he had been a central figure for two years. ESPN has since hired Jason Kelce to fill that role. Last season, Griffin was also part of a major college football broadcast team with Bob Wischusen.
Fox Sports has already expressed interest in Griffin, considering him for a role on its show “Big Noon Kickoff” before selecting former Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram II.
Griffin continues to speak out about various social issues on social media, occasionally commenting on ESPN's internal controversies. Unlike Griffin, Ponder has been less active in making political or social statements online.
In 2017, Ponder replaced the iconic Chris Berman on “Countdown,” taking over a role previously held by one of ESPN’s most recognizable figures.
ESPN has not released any statement regarding these firings.