Robert Griffin III, a former NFL quarterback, transitioned from the gridiron to the screen, signing a multi-year deal with ESPN as an analyst. He covered college football and made regular appearances on NFL Live. However, Griffin’s time with ESPN has abruptly ended, as the network announced his departure.
Robert Griffin III, known for his time with the Washington Redskins, Cleveland Browns, and Baltimore Ravens, was released from his ESPN contract despite having two years left on his deal. According to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, the decision was financially driven.
The news of Griffin’s exit sparked a wave of reactions online. Some fans couldn’t help but recall a recent viral moment when Griffin posted a photo of himself in France, playfully biting into a croissant with his wife. The photo received a mix of reactions, with some fans playfully suggesting that it might have played a role in ESPN’s decision to let him go.
The move has left many fans disappointed. They felt Robert Griffin III held his own among ESPN’s roster of analysts. Critics also pointed out that the network might have erred by letting Griffin go while retaining others they believe were less impactful.
Griffin’s departure follows the recent firing of Samantha Ponder, host of NFL Sunday Countdown. Griffin had already faced a demotion earlier when Jason Kelce, fresh off his NFL retirement, was brought in to replace him on Monday Night Countdown.
Despite his reduced role, Griffin remained active, calling games and contributing to studio segments. He also kept a strong presence on social media.
While the official reason for Griffin’s firing remains tied to financial cuts, many speculate that the network needed to free up funds to bring in Kelce. Unfortunately, this meant parting ways with both Griffin and Ponder.
As Robert Griffin III moves forward, fans will be watching closely to see where his career heads next, hoping that his departure from ESPN is just a bump in the road.