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NFL reporter Ed Werder was brutally fired for the second time in seven years by ESPN when the industry veteran released a cryptic message following his departure.
On Thursday, Werder, 64, announced the end of his 26-year association with ‘The Mother Ship’ after the network previously fired him in 2017 before he returned in 2019.
From the tone of his online statement, it seems that his departure from ESPN was not by mutual decision. Werder started working at the company in 1998.
“For 26 years, I have had the privilege of reporting on the NFL and the Dallas Cowboys while holding an ESPN microphone,” he wrote. But that time is coming to an end. I will immediately begin considering other opportunities to continue my work covering the NFL.
‘My career at ESPN was highlighted by being assigned to cover 20 consecutive Super Bowls and included having my contributions honored in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. (…) While this marks the end of my collaboration, I hope to continue working because, as many studio presenters have proclaimed, and I still devoutly believe, “Ed Werder has more.”
Ed Werder, 64, has covered NFL and Dallas Cowboys games extensively for ESPN since 1998.
Werder, who covered Jerry Jones’ Cowboys from 1998 to 2017 before massive layoffs at the company, according to his ESPN biography, is also known for his appearances on shows like ‘SportsCenter and ‘Monday Night Football.’
His work has also appeared in The Dallas Morning News, Fort-Worth Star-Telegram Orlando Sentinel and Sports Illustrated.
In 2017, Werder received the 2017 Dick McCann Award, presented by the Professional Football Writers of America.
On Thursday, several prominent ESPN figures flooded Werder’s farewell post from the X network.
‘Thanks for being a great teammate, brother. You will be an asset wherever you go,” shared former NFL quarterback turned pundit Robert Griffin III.
ESPN NFL reporter Jeff Darlington wrote: ‘Thank you, Ed, for paving the way for so many of us in sports journalism. I know you’re not done yet, but it’s still worth celebrating your Hall of Fame tenure on ESPN! Congratulations!’
ESPN NFL analyst and former quarterback Dan Orlovsky said, “Man, one of the best.” What a privilege it was to once be on the show you were on Ed. You will be missed, blessings.’
ESPN issued a statement thanking Werder for his longtime contributions to the medium.
‘Ed Werder has been a mainstay of ESPN’s NFL coverage for more than 25 seasons. “He has elevated our programs, including “Sunday NFL Countdown” and the multiple platforms to which he has contributed while reporting on iconic games, Super Bowls and nearly every league event,” the statement said.
‘His journalistic instincts and relationships have benefited fans all year long. We thank Ed for all he contributed and wish him success in the future.’