Beloved NFL Reporter Announces He’s Shockingly Leaving ESPN After 26 Years With The Network

ESPN Logo for article on Ed Werder leaving networkESPN logo (Photo by Robin Marchant/Getty Images for ESPN)
A longtime NFL reporter is leaving ESPN.

Ed Werder, a 26-year veteran with the network, is on his way out following what has been a memorable career at The Worldwide Leader in Sports.

Werder announced his departure via Twitter/X on Thursday.

“For 26 years, I’ve had the privilege of reporting on the NFL and the Dallas Cowboys while holding an ESPN microphone. But that time is coming to an end,” he wrote. “I will immediately begin considering other opportunities to continue my work covering the NFL.

“My ESPN career was highlighted by being assigned to cover 20 consecutive Super Bowls and included having my contributions honored at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. … While this marks the end of my partnership with ESPN, I expect to continue working because, as so many studio hosts have proclaimed — and I still devoutly believe — ‘Ed Werder has more.’”

Ed Werder Is Leaving ESPN For The Second Time In Seven Years

This marks the second time Ed Werder is leaving ESPN.

The 64-year-old started working for the network in 1998 and was laid off in 2017. He returned in 2019, although he didn’t receive the best treatment from the company, and is leaving again. It will be interesting to see where he ends up.

Werder, who has mostly covered the Dallas Cowboys, has been reporting on football for over 40 years.

Before working at ESPN, he worked for Sports Illustrated, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Orlando Sentinel, and the Dallas Morning News.

He covered 20 Super Bowls in his 26 years at ESPN and is one of the most widely-recognized football journalists around, also earning recognition from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

“Ed Werder has been a mainstay on ESPN’s NFL coverage for more than 25 seasons,” ESPN said in a statement. “He has elevated our programs, including Sunday NFL Countdown, and the multiple platforms he’s contributed to while reporting at signature games, Super Bowls, and nearly all league events. 

“His journalistic instincts and relationships have benefitted fans throughout the years. We thank Ed for everything he contributed and wish him success in the future.”