4 days ago
Ryan Clark's firing from ESPN is still sending shockwaves across the industry of NFL media after being informed on Monday of their decision.
Some significant departures have been sanctioned from ESPN over the course of this week, with established names like Tom Pelissero also let go.
The 2026 NFL season is now just weeks away from getting underway and Clark, like many others, is now left looking for his next opportunity in the industry.
Now the dust has settled, the 46-year-old former NFL safety has broken his silence on his firing from ESPN.
Stephen A. Smith has defended Clark against ESPN along with a number of other famous names.
#pelissero
Some significant departures have been sanctioned from ESPN over the course of this week, with established names like Tom Pelissero also let go.
The 2026 NFL season is now just weeks away from getting underway and Clark, like many others, is now left looking for his next opportunity in the industry.
Now the dust has settled, the 46-year-old former NFL safety has broken his silence on his firing from ESPN.
Stephen A. Smith has defended Clark against ESPN along with a number of other famous names.
#pelissero
6 days ago
NFL ******* yst Ryan Clark was among many employees to exit ESPN in the mass layoffs following the NFL Network acquisition. The details surrounding Clark's exit, specifically when he was notified, has been a hot topic, and Clark decided to share the truth Wednesday.
In a post quoting a TMZ report suggesting he wasn't forced off the NFL Live set upon his dismissal, Clark wrote, "I wasn't forced? 'I ask, should I be done now?' The answer was 'yes.'"
TMZ is reporting that Clark was going to be notified of his role in the mass layoffs Tuesday, but ESPN got word of a report announcing Clark's exit was coming out imminently, so the company decided to notify Clark immediately. Clark learned the news during a commercial break, according to TMZ, and he did not return to show.
Along with Clark, the following employees reportedly got laid off from ESPN: Karl Ravech, Stephania Bell, Tom Pelissero, Cam Newton, Bart Scott, Charles Davis and David Lloyd.
Here's what Clark had to say about the layoffs.
#layoffs
In a post quoting a TMZ report suggesting he wasn't forced off the NFL Live set upon his dismissal, Clark wrote, "I wasn't forced? 'I ask, should I be done now?' The answer was 'yes.'"
TMZ is reporting that Clark was going to be notified of his role in the mass layoffs Tuesday, but ESPN got word of a report announcing Clark's exit was coming out imminently, so the company decided to notify Clark immediately. Clark learned the news during a commercial break, according to TMZ, and he did not return to show.
Along with Clark, the following employees reportedly got laid off from ESPN: Karl Ravech, Stephania Bell, Tom Pelissero, Cam Newton, Bart Scott, Charles Davis and David Lloyd.
Here's what Clark had to say about the layoffs.
#layoffs
6 days ago
ESPN and the rest of the sports media industry were left reeling Tuesday as the Mothership ejected approximately 10 on-air talents, while pink-slipping a large contingent of behind-the-scenes staffers at NFL Network.
After speaking with multiple sources, here are my five takeaways from the layoffs, which included ESPN dropping talents such as Ryan Clark, Karl Ravech, David Lloyd, Tom Pelissero, Cam Newton, and Bart Scott:
Chairman Jimmy Pitaro made it clear that ESPN's biggest round of layoffs in three years was tied directly to Disney's acquisition of NFL Network. Anytime two companies merge, the bean counters look at who's doing what. When they find two people doing the same job—or close to it—one goes out the door.
That's what's happening as ESPN absorbs a network it competed with for over 20 years. ESPN has made "significant progress" integrating NFLN, Pitaro wrote in an internal memo obtained by Front Office Sports. But as always with mergers, it "had to make some difficult decisions," added Pitaro.
ESPN will broadcast its first-ever Super Bowl from SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Feb. 14, 2027. Televising a Super Bowl has been a corporate dream of ESPN's since its founding as a scrappy wannabe in 1979. ESPN management and parent company Disney are laser-focused on creating the best, most thorough Super Bowl coverage ever. Anybody on-air during what ESPN is humbly calling its "Year of the Super Bowl" will go down in company history. The competition for those choice on-air slots will be brutal.
The game announce team of Troy Aikman, Joe Buck, Lisa Salters, and Laura Rutledge are locks. Ditto for Sunday NFL Countdown regulars Mike Greenberg, Rex Ryan, Randy Moss, Alex Smith, Tedy Bruschi and Adam Schefter. And look for legendary anchor Chris Berman to play a major role as the living embodiment of ESPN's 47-year history.
#espn #network #sports #talents
After speaking with multiple sources, here are my five takeaways from the layoffs, which included ESPN dropping talents such as Ryan Clark, Karl Ravech, David Lloyd, Tom Pelissero, Cam Newton, and Bart Scott:
Chairman Jimmy Pitaro made it clear that ESPN's biggest round of layoffs in three years was tied directly to Disney's acquisition of NFL Network. Anytime two companies merge, the bean counters look at who's doing what. When they find two people doing the same job—or close to it—one goes out the door.
That's what's happening as ESPN absorbs a network it competed with for over 20 years. ESPN has made "significant progress" integrating NFLN, Pitaro wrote in an internal memo obtained by Front Office Sports. But as always with mergers, it "had to make some difficult decisions," added Pitaro.
ESPN will broadcast its first-ever Super Bowl from SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Feb. 14, 2027. Televising a Super Bowl has been a corporate dream of ESPN's since its founding as a scrappy wannabe in 1979. ESPN management and parent company Disney are laser-focused on creating the best, most thorough Super Bowl coverage ever. Anybody on-air during what ESPN is humbly calling its "Year of the Super Bowl" will go down in company history. The competition for those choice on-air slots will be brutal.
The game announce team of Troy Aikman, Joe Buck, Lisa Salters, and Laura Rutledge are locks. Ditto for Sunday NFL Countdown regulars Mike Greenberg, Rex Ryan, Randy Moss, Alex Smith, Tedy Bruschi and Adam Schefter. And look for legendary anchor Chris Berman to play a major role as the living embodiment of ESPN's 47-year history.
#espn #network #sports #talents
7 days ago
Cam Newton doesn't sound like a man nursing a grudge.
Hours after ESPN cut ties with him in the same round of layoffs that ended Ryan Clark's 11-year run at the network, the former Carolina Panthers quarterback framed his brief run at First Take as something closer to an internship than a second career.
"Working alongside some of the most talented journalists and sports individuals that cover sports was something that got me to realize I have a newfound respect for the skill," Newton said. "You can't make me hate ESPN. What I've learned, it was an internship. I am a former athlete that did not study journalism, so now when you see how production actually works, you'll be a fool not to take your notes."
Newton signed a multi-year deal with ESPN last August to expand his role on First Take, stepping into the seat vacated after Shannon Sharpe's departure amid a ***** ual ***** ault lawsuit and settlement. From there, Newton became a fixture alongside Stephen A. Smith through the football season, a run that included a manufactured feud with New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and widely criticized comments about women's value being tied to how many children they have. Criticism even came from colleagues within ESPN after he had Stephen A. Smith's arch-enemy, Jason Whitlock, on his podcast. In response, Smith stated that there were a number of reasons why Newton's First Take presence could be questioned, but that he was still supportive of his appearances on the program.
And yet, Newton's time with ESPN and First Take is now surprisingly over before the beginning of the 2026 football season, as he was one of several names caught in a wave tied to the network's absorption of NFL Network, a list that also included Karl Ravech, Charles Davis, Tom Pelissero, and Clark, who learned of his firing while on-air.
#espn #newton #first #year
Hours after ESPN cut ties with him in the same round of layoffs that ended Ryan Clark's 11-year run at the network, the former Carolina Panthers quarterback framed his brief run at First Take as something closer to an internship than a second career.
"Working alongside some of the most talented journalists and sports individuals that cover sports was something that got me to realize I have a newfound respect for the skill," Newton said. "You can't make me hate ESPN. What I've learned, it was an internship. I am a former athlete that did not study journalism, so now when you see how production actually works, you'll be a fool not to take your notes."
Newton signed a multi-year deal with ESPN last August to expand his role on First Take, stepping into the seat vacated after Shannon Sharpe's departure amid a ***** ual ***** ault lawsuit and settlement. From there, Newton became a fixture alongside Stephen A. Smith through the football season, a run that included a manufactured feud with New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and widely criticized comments about women's value being tied to how many children they have. Criticism even came from colleagues within ESPN after he had Stephen A. Smith's arch-enemy, Jason Whitlock, on his podcast. In response, Smith stated that there were a number of reasons why Newton's First Take presence could be questioned, but that he was still supportive of his appearances on the program.
And yet, Newton's time with ESPN and First Take is now surprisingly over before the beginning of the 2026 football season, as he was one of several names caught in a wave tied to the network's absorption of NFL Network, a list that also included Karl Ravech, Charles Davis, Tom Pelissero, and Clark, who learned of his firing while on-air.
#espn #newton #first #year
7 days ago
ESPN layoffs tracker 2026: Ryan Clark, Tom Pelissero among talent let go in latest Disney budget cuts originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
After officially absorbing NFL Network, ESPN is ready to make some major changes.
The network is laying off on-air talent in addition to off-air employees, according to reports, starting with the news Monday that longtime ****** yst Ryan Clark would not be returning.
The cuts, according to The Athletic, are part of "broader cuts" at Disney, which owns ESPN. Layoffs are expected to include NFL Network personalities, with Disney and ESPN now in control of the network.
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro released a statement Tuesday confirming layoffs:
#network #layoffs #clark
After officially absorbing NFL Network, ESPN is ready to make some major changes.
The network is laying off on-air talent in addition to off-air employees, according to reports, starting with the news Monday that longtime ****** yst Ryan Clark would not be returning.
The cuts, according to The Athletic, are part of "broader cuts" at Disney, which owns ESPN. Layoffs are expected to include NFL Network personalities, with Disney and ESPN now in control of the network.
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro released a statement Tuesday confirming layoffs:
#network #layoffs #clark
7 days ago
Karl Ravech, as well as a slew of other ESPN broadcasters and **** ysts, are expected to be impacted by the network's latest round of layoffs, sources told The Athletic Tuesday.
Ravech, a 31-year veteran of the network, served as ESPN's lead MLB play-by-play announcer, covered college basketball and anchored SportsCenter. He called the Dodgers-Phillies game Monday before reportedly learning his position was in jeopardy. When contacted by The Athletic Tuesday morning, Ravech said he had not yet been informed of his status.
The reported list of cuts extends across ESPN and NFL Network, reportedly including NFL MVP Cam Newton, longtime SportsCenter anchor David Lloyd, injury **** yst Stephania Bell, former All-Pro linebacker and studio host Bart Scott and NFL Network **** yst Charles Davis, according to The Athletic.
The layoffs follow ESPN's decision Monday to part ways with NFL **** yst Ryan Clark , with additional cuts expected among behind-the-scenes staff. Many of the reductions are reportedly connected to ESPN's integration with NFL Network, including the expected departure of NFL insider Tom Pelissero, one of the network's top reporters, according to the outlet.
A memo from ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro to employees Tuesday morning, obtained by The Independent, did not identify those impacted by the layoffs but said the cuts followed a review of the company's teams, resources and structure after integrating acquired NFL **** ets.
#espn
Ravech, a 31-year veteran of the network, served as ESPN's lead MLB play-by-play announcer, covered college basketball and anchored SportsCenter. He called the Dodgers-Phillies game Monday before reportedly learning his position was in jeopardy. When contacted by The Athletic Tuesday morning, Ravech said he had not yet been informed of his status.
The reported list of cuts extends across ESPN and NFL Network, reportedly including NFL MVP Cam Newton, longtime SportsCenter anchor David Lloyd, injury **** yst Stephania Bell, former All-Pro linebacker and studio host Bart Scott and NFL Network **** yst Charles Davis, according to The Athletic.
The layoffs follow ESPN's decision Monday to part ways with NFL **** yst Ryan Clark , with additional cuts expected among behind-the-scenes staff. Many of the reductions are reportedly connected to ESPN's integration with NFL Network, including the expected departure of NFL insider Tom Pelissero, one of the network's top reporters, according to the outlet.
A memo from ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro to employees Tuesday morning, obtained by The Independent, did not identify those impacted by the layoffs but said the cuts followed a review of the company's teams, resources and structure after integrating acquired NFL **** ets.
#espn
7 days ago
ESPN caught the NFL media unawares with a long list of layoffs enforced on Tuesday, July 21, as the organization aims to restructure the NFL Network, a media property it acquired back in January.
Part of the layoffs ensnared former NFL MVP Cam Newton, who was, by some accounts, a polarizing figure among NFL Media.
These ESPN layoffs were the first round of cuts since the organization purchased the NFL Network. The layoffs were headlined by Ryan Clark and Cam Newton, while longtime NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero was also reportedly let go. Former All-Pro linebacker Bart Scott is also expected to depart ESPN.
As the news reached social media, insider John Frascella had a few things to say about Newton's exit.
"Cam Newton also gets the axe from ESPN. Network is going savage today. Cam was a polarizing figure, but also very popular to some. Highly opinionated Bart Scott also now gone."
#Media #scott
Part of the layoffs ensnared former NFL MVP Cam Newton, who was, by some accounts, a polarizing figure among NFL Media.
These ESPN layoffs were the first round of cuts since the organization purchased the NFL Network. The layoffs were headlined by Ryan Clark and Cam Newton, while longtime NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero was also reportedly let go. Former All-Pro linebacker Bart Scott is also expected to depart ESPN.
As the news reached social media, insider John Frascella had a few things to say about Newton's exit.
"Cam Newton also gets the axe from ESPN. Network is going savage today. Cam was a polarizing figure, but also very popular to some. Highly opinionated Bart Scott also now gone."
#Media #scott
7 days ago
Former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark being laid off by ESPN sent shockwaves into the NFL world, but he apparently isn't the only big name being cut by the sports juggernaut.
According to a new report from The Athletic, top NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero is joining Clark and Karl Ravech among a growing number of employees being laid off by ESPN.
"Karl Ravech, one of ESPN's most prominent on-air voices for more than three decades, and NFL insider Tom Pelissero were laid off as part of the network's latest round of cuts Tuesday, according to sources briefed on the moves," Marchand wrote.
Pelissero, who worked for the NFL Network since 2017, has been quoted by us at Steelers Wire more times than we can count. We wish him, Clark, and Ravech the best as they navigate this tough situation.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
#steelers #clark #ravech #network
According to a new report from The Athletic, top NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero is joining Clark and Karl Ravech among a growing number of employees being laid off by ESPN.
"Karl Ravech, one of ESPN's most prominent on-air voices for more than three decades, and NFL insider Tom Pelissero were laid off as part of the network's latest round of cuts Tuesday, according to sources briefed on the moves," Marchand wrote.
Pelissero, who worked for the NFL Network since 2017, has been quoted by us at Steelers Wire more times than we can count. We wish him, Clark, and Ravech the best as they navigate this tough situation.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
#steelers #clark #ravech #network
7 days ago
ESPN parted ways with Ryan Clark on Monday in an awkward on-air dismissal during "NFL Live." On Tuesday, more layoffs swept through Bristol, and former NFL MVP Cam Newton was among those let go.
The move sparked an immediate pile-on from the NFL community on X, with fans and media personalities believing that firing Newton was the right decision, and some even brought up his viral comments on Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman from the 2025 season.
Newton wasn't the only recognizable face to get fired on Tuesday. NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, longtime **** yst Charles Davis, NFL **** yst Bart Scott, SportsCenter anchor David Lloyd, injury and fantasy expert Stephania Bell, and MLB play-by-play announcer Karl Ravech were all let go as part of the cuts.
Before his dismissal, Newton had served as Stephen A. Smith's primary Monday co-host on "First Take" during the football season, replacing Shannon Sharpe in that role last year.
With both Newton and Clark gone, Smith now enters the 2026 football season without either of his primary debate partners on the show's highest-rated day of the week. ESPN has said it will look for a permanent replacement for Newton on Mondays, though no candidates have been named.
#analyst
The move sparked an immediate pile-on from the NFL community on X, with fans and media personalities believing that firing Newton was the right decision, and some even brought up his viral comments on Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman from the 2025 season.
Newton wasn't the only recognizable face to get fired on Tuesday. NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, longtime **** yst Charles Davis, NFL **** yst Bart Scott, SportsCenter anchor David Lloyd, injury and fantasy expert Stephania Bell, and MLB play-by-play announcer Karl Ravech were all let go as part of the cuts.
Before his dismissal, Newton had served as Stephen A. Smith's primary Monday co-host on "First Take" during the football season, replacing Shannon Sharpe in that role last year.
With both Newton and Clark gone, Smith now enters the 2026 football season without either of his primary debate partners on the show's highest-rated day of the week. ESPN has said it will look for a permanent replacement for Newton on Mondays, though no candidates have been named.
#analyst
7 days ago
Karl Ravech, as well as a slew of other ESPN broadcasters and ***** ysts, are expected to be impacted by the network's latest round of layoffs, sources told The Athletic Tuesday.
Ravech, a 31-year veteran of the network, served as ESPN's lead MLB play-by-play announcer, covered college basketball and anchored SportsCenter. He called the Dodgers-Phillies game Monday before reportedly learning his position was in jeopardy. When contacted by The Athletic Tuesday morning, Ravech said he had not yet been informed of his status.
The reported list of cuts extends across ESPN and NFL Network, reportedly including NFL MVP Cam Newton, longtime SportsCenter anchor David Lloyd, injury ***** yst Stephania Bell, former All-Pro linebacker and studio host Bart Scott and NFL Network ***** yst Charles Davis, according to The Athletic.
The layoffs follow ESPN's decision Monday to part ways with NFL ***** yst Ryan Clark , with additional cuts expected among behind-the-scenes staff. Many of the reductions are reportedly connected to ESPN's integration with NFL Network, including the expected departure of NFL insider Tom Pelissero, one of the network's top reporters, according to the outlet.
A memo from ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro to employees Tuesday morning, obtained by The Independent, did not identify those impacted by the layoffs but said the cuts followed a review of the company's teams, resources and structure after integrating acquired NFL ***** ets.
#network #ravech #tuesday #reportedly
Ravech, a 31-year veteran of the network, served as ESPN's lead MLB play-by-play announcer, covered college basketball and anchored SportsCenter. He called the Dodgers-Phillies game Monday before reportedly learning his position was in jeopardy. When contacted by The Athletic Tuesday morning, Ravech said he had not yet been informed of his status.
The reported list of cuts extends across ESPN and NFL Network, reportedly including NFL MVP Cam Newton, longtime SportsCenter anchor David Lloyd, injury ***** yst Stephania Bell, former All-Pro linebacker and studio host Bart Scott and NFL Network ***** yst Charles Davis, according to The Athletic.
The layoffs follow ESPN's decision Monday to part ways with NFL ***** yst Ryan Clark , with additional cuts expected among behind-the-scenes staff. Many of the reductions are reportedly connected to ESPN's integration with NFL Network, including the expected departure of NFL insider Tom Pelissero, one of the network's top reporters, according to the outlet.
A memo from ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro to employees Tuesday morning, obtained by The Independent, did not identify those impacted by the layoffs but said the cuts followed a review of the company's teams, resources and structure after integrating acquired NFL ***** ets.
#network #ravech #tuesday #reportedly
7 days ago
A Carolina Panthers legend has joined the wave of layoffs over at the worldwide leader.
As first reported by Bobby Burack of OutKick, ESPN is set to part ways with Cam Newton. The former quarterback and franchise great had served as a debate partner on for ****** yst Stephen A. Smith on the network's hit program First Take during football season.
Newton is now one of a handful of names to pop up during ESPN's latest exodus. A few other reported departures include former safety Ryan Clark, former linebacker Bart Scott, NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero and NFL Network ****** yst Charles Davis.
Since playing his last down of NFL football back in 2021, Newton has transitioned into a successful media career. In addition to his two-year run with ESPN, the former NFL Most Valuable Player has starred in his own show—4th & 1 with Cam Newton on YouTube.
Burack also notes that ESPN will look for a permanent replacement for Newton on the Monday editions of First Take.
#first #reported #Football
As first reported by Bobby Burack of OutKick, ESPN is set to part ways with Cam Newton. The former quarterback and franchise great had served as a debate partner on for ****** yst Stephen A. Smith on the network's hit program First Take during football season.
Newton is now one of a handful of names to pop up during ESPN's latest exodus. A few other reported departures include former safety Ryan Clark, former linebacker Bart Scott, NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero and NFL Network ****** yst Charles Davis.
Since playing his last down of NFL football back in 2021, Newton has transitioned into a successful media career. In addition to his two-year run with ESPN, the former NFL Most Valuable Player has starred in his own show—4th & 1 with Cam Newton on YouTube.
Burack also notes that ESPN will look for a permanent replacement for Newton on the Monday editions of First Take.
#first #reported #Football
21 days ago
Key dates on the upcoming NFL calendar have been announced, including when free agency will begin for the Indianapolis Colts next offseason.
According to Tom Pelissero, the NFL's legal tampering window opens on March 9, 2027.
While we still have training camp, the preseason, and the full 2026 season ahead of us, let's take a look ahead at which Colts players are currently set to become free agents on March 9 of next year.
Several key starters are among those on this list.
Against both the run and the pass, Buckner has been a force in the middle of the Colts' defense since arriving to Indianapolis. Even in an injury-shortened 2025 season, Buckner ranked 24th among defensive tackles in pass rush win rate and 14th in PFF's run stop rate metric.
According to Tom Pelissero, the NFL's legal tampering window opens on March 9, 2027.
While we still have training camp, the preseason, and the full 2026 season ahead of us, let's take a look ahead at which Colts players are currently set to become free agents on March 9 of next year.
Several key starters are among those on this list.
Against both the run and the pass, Buckner has been a force in the middle of the Colts' defense since arriving to Indianapolis. Even in an injury-shortened 2025 season, Buckner ranked 24th among defensive tackles in pass rush win rate and 14th in PFF's run stop rate metric.
21 days ago
The NFL is making a significant change to the offseason calendar for the 2027 season.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reports that the free agent negotiating window will open on March 9 next year. That is the same date that the two-day window opened this year, but the change comes in how close it will be to the end of the Scouting Combine.
NFL teams will wrap up their examinations and interrogations of incoming prospects on March 8 in 2027, which moves the league away from having a week or so between the two events as they have in past years.
Under that setup, the Combine has always been rife with table-setting for free agency as agents and team executives are all in the same place with their minds on the same things. With that gap eliminated, there will likely be even more of that work being done in Indianapolis so that teams are ready to make moves right from the starting gun.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reports that the free agent negotiating window will open on March 9 next year. That is the same date that the two-day window opened this year, but the change comes in how close it will be to the end of the Scouting Combine.
NFL teams will wrap up their examinations and interrogations of incoming prospects on March 8 in 2027, which moves the league away from having a week or so between the two events as they have in past years.
Under that setup, the Combine has always been rife with table-setting for free agency as agents and team executives are all in the same place with their minds on the same things. With that gap eliminated, there will likely be even more of that work being done in Indianapolis so that teams are ready to make moves right from the starting gun.
26 days ago
Another NFL Network talent is getting the green light for a longer term stay at ESPN.
Longtime NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo is reportedly “closing in” on a new contract with ESPN, which acquired NFL Media earlier this year, according to Ryan Glasspiegel in Front Office Sports. ESPN is reportedly making retention decisions for NFL Network talent as their old contracts come up for renewal. Front Office Sports previously reported that ESPN is bracing for layoffs in short order, and some of those layoffs could be the result of “cost efficiencies” **** ociated with combining the NFL Network operation with ESPN.
Garafolo would join colleague Ian Rapoport as the second person on NFL Network’s evening show The Insiders to receive a new contract from ESPN, leaving Tom Pelissero as the only member of the show awaiting a potential renewal.
No doubt, the NFL Network acquisition added plenty of talent to an already deep bench of NFL reporters at ESPN. In addition to the Insiders trio, NFL Network employs reporters like Jane Slater, Cameron Wolfe, and Sherree Burruss. ESPN, of course, has its own cohort of reporters including the likes of Jeff Darlington and Jeremy Fowler.
Given the aforementioned “efficiencies” ESPN is planning with regard to NFL Network, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see at least some on-air talent not reach a renewal with the Worldwide Leader. The network already opted not to renew Will Blackmon, a fill-in host on NFL Network’s flagship morning show Good Morning Football, for instance.
Longtime NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo is reportedly “closing in” on a new contract with ESPN, which acquired NFL Media earlier this year, according to Ryan Glasspiegel in Front Office Sports. ESPN is reportedly making retention decisions for NFL Network talent as their old contracts come up for renewal. Front Office Sports previously reported that ESPN is bracing for layoffs in short order, and some of those layoffs could be the result of “cost efficiencies” **** ociated with combining the NFL Network operation with ESPN.
Garafolo would join colleague Ian Rapoport as the second person on NFL Network’s evening show The Insiders to receive a new contract from ESPN, leaving Tom Pelissero as the only member of the show awaiting a potential renewal.
No doubt, the NFL Network acquisition added plenty of talent to an already deep bench of NFL reporters at ESPN. In addition to the Insiders trio, NFL Network employs reporters like Jane Slater, Cameron Wolfe, and Sherree Burruss. ESPN, of course, has its own cohort of reporters including the likes of Jeff Darlington and Jeremy Fowler.
Given the aforementioned “efficiencies” ESPN is planning with regard to NFL Network, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see at least some on-air talent not reach a renewal with the Worldwide Leader. The network already opted not to renew Will Blackmon, a fill-in host on NFL Network’s flagship morning show Good Morning Football, for instance.
26 days ago
ESPN is closing in on keeping longtime NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo on a new contract, sources told Front Office Sports.
ESPN acquired NFL Network earlier this year in a deal that gave the league a 10% stake in ESPN. Garafolo’s new contract has not been finalized, one source said, and an ESPN spokesperson declined to comment.
Garafolo is both a league insider and a dynamic personality. He co-hosts The Insiders with Ian Rapoport—who also just signed a new multi-year deal to remain at ESPN and NFL Network—and Tom Pelissero, who is considered by many in the business to be at the top of the tier of NFL insiders after Rapoport and Adam Schefter.
Garafolo has also been a frequent contributor on Good Morning Football, NFL Network’s flagship daily morning program. All three of The Insiders have the chops to be featured up and down ESPN’s studio lineup on shows like SportsCenter, Get Up, and NFL Live.
With the NFL Network integration, ESPN has ****** embled an armada of NFL reporters.
ESPN acquired NFL Network earlier this year in a deal that gave the league a 10% stake in ESPN. Garafolo’s new contract has not been finalized, one source said, and an ESPN spokesperson declined to comment.
Garafolo is both a league insider and a dynamic personality. He co-hosts The Insiders with Ian Rapoport—who also just signed a new multi-year deal to remain at ESPN and NFL Network—and Tom Pelissero, who is considered by many in the business to be at the top of the tier of NFL insiders after Rapoport and Adam Schefter.
Garafolo has also been a frequent contributor on Good Morning Football, NFL Network’s flagship daily morning program. All three of The Insiders have the chops to be featured up and down ESPN’s studio lineup on shows like SportsCenter, Get Up, and NFL Live.
With the NFL Network integration, ESPN has ****** embled an armada of NFL reporters.
1 month ago
On Monday, the NFL announced the training camp report dates of all the league's thirty-two teams and among them, was the Indianapolis Colts.
Specifically, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Colts will have rookies report on Monday, July 27th, while veterans will report a day later on Tuesday, July 28th.
Meanwhile, the Colts will kickoff their joint training camp practices on Tuesday, August 11th, against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Massachusetts, ahead of both team's preseason opener on Thursday, August 13th, 7:30 PM EDT, at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots hold their training camp practices at the New Balance Athletic Center practice fields behind Gillette Stadium.
A week later, the Colts will then host the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday, August 19th at Grand Park in Westfield, Indiana. The Colts and Falcons square off for Preseason Week 2 on Saturday, August 22nd, 1 PM EDT, at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Colts have not officially announced their team training camp schedule or offered tickets for sessions yet. However, those updates and details should come in a few weeks!
Specifically, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Colts will have rookies report on Monday, July 27th, while veterans will report a day later on Tuesday, July 28th.
Meanwhile, the Colts will kickoff their joint training camp practices on Tuesday, August 11th, against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Massachusetts, ahead of both team's preseason opener on Thursday, August 13th, 7:30 PM EDT, at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots hold their training camp practices at the New Balance Athletic Center practice fields behind Gillette Stadium.
A week later, the Colts will then host the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday, August 19th at Grand Park in Westfield, Indiana. The Colts and Falcons square off for Preseason Week 2 on Saturday, August 22nd, 1 PM EDT, at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Colts have not officially announced their team training camp schedule or offered tickets for sessions yet. However, those updates and details should come in a few weeks!
1 month ago
Brendan Sorsby landing spots: Jets, Dolphins among teams who could target quarterback after NFL Supplemental Draft declaration originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
After all the drama and controversy, Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby is headed to the NFL after all.
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Sorsby is applying to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft, which usually takes place in July.
Last week, Sorsby was granted eligibility to play college football for the Red Raiders in 2026 after initially being ruled ineligible for placing bets on games during his time at Cincinnati. However, it looks like the young quarterback is ready to leave this drama behind and head to the league.
"Star QB Brendan Sorsby is applying to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft, sources tell NFL Network," Pelissero said. "After legal wrangling about his NCAA eligibility, Sorsby — regarded as a first-round talent — now could be the highest-drafted supplemental pick in decades."
After all the drama and controversy, Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby is headed to the NFL after all.
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Sorsby is applying to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft, which usually takes place in July.
Last week, Sorsby was granted eligibility to play college football for the Red Raiders in 2026 after initially being ruled ineligible for placing bets on games during his time at Cincinnati. However, it looks like the young quarterback is ready to leave this drama behind and head to the league.
"Star QB Brendan Sorsby is applying to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft, sources tell NFL Network," Pelissero said. "After legal wrangling about his NCAA eligibility, Sorsby — regarded as a first-round talent — now could be the highest-drafted supplemental pick in decades."
1 month ago
Why Brendan Sorsby and Texas Tech are parting ways as QB enters NFL's supplemental draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Brendan Sorsby's college football career is over.
Amid legal challenges to his eligibility after the NCAA tried to keep him off the field over gambling violations, Sorsby and Texas Tech have agreed to part ways, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported.
Sorsby will enter the NFL's supplemental draft, becoming one of the most notable supplemental draft prospects in recent memory as teams weigh whether to take the talented but polarizing quarterback.
Here's what you need to know about Monday night's surprise development.
Brendan Sorsby's college football career is over.
Amid legal challenges to his eligibility after the NCAA tried to keep him off the field over gambling violations, Sorsby and Texas Tech have agreed to part ways, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported.
Sorsby will enter the NFL's supplemental draft, becoming one of the most notable supplemental draft prospects in recent memory as teams weigh whether to take the talented but polarizing quarterback.
Here's what you need to know about Monday night's surprise development.
2 months ago
Vikings fans, new GM Nolan Teasley just dropped his first presser — and the J.J. McCarthy trade smoke is real. Tyler Forness and Dave Stefano deliver unfiltered reactions on The Real Forno Show, covering Teasley’s “three pillars,” the quirky power structure with Kevin O’Connell, KOC’s QB comments, and Harrison Smith’s latest.
In this latest episode of The Real Forno Show host Tyler Forness and producer Dave Stefano break down everything from Nolan Teasley’s introductory press conference to the escalating quarterback drama in OTAs. Stefano praised the lack of “red flags” from Teasley but Forness raised a major concern about the reporting structure: “O’Connell also reporting directly to ownership really creates an interesting power dynamic that I have some potential concerns about… if O’Connell does not report to Teasley… that can be a problem.”
Forness noted the presser felt canned on the human side: “We didn’t really learn much about the human being. He didn’t really go outside of just kind of planned, canned answers.” Stefano countered positively: “I got no red flags… He answered the questions. He didn’t go into complete detail. But like I said, there was no red flags.”
Power structure debate: Forness highlighted that both Teasley and O’Connell report directly to the Wilfs, unlike the traditional GM-over-coach model, and wondered about firing power: “If things go wrong and the new general manager wants to make a move, is he going to be empowered to do so?”
J.J. McCarthy trade talk heats up: Forness flagged Tom Pelissero’s comments as a “big red flag,” suggesting the team may be signaling availability: “The fact that he is now talking about a trade raises a big red flag for me that says, ‘Hey, come and get him.’” The duo discussed maximum trade value now versus later, locker-room risks, and the reality that Murray appears far ahead in OTAs.
In this latest episode of The Real Forno Show host Tyler Forness and producer Dave Stefano break down everything from Nolan Teasley’s introductory press conference to the escalating quarterback drama in OTAs. Stefano praised the lack of “red flags” from Teasley but Forness raised a major concern about the reporting structure: “O’Connell also reporting directly to ownership really creates an interesting power dynamic that I have some potential concerns about… if O’Connell does not report to Teasley… that can be a problem.”
Forness noted the presser felt canned on the human side: “We didn’t really learn much about the human being. He didn’t really go outside of just kind of planned, canned answers.” Stefano countered positively: “I got no red flags… He answered the questions. He didn’t go into complete detail. But like I said, there was no red flags.”
Power structure debate: Forness highlighted that both Teasley and O’Connell report directly to the Wilfs, unlike the traditional GM-over-coach model, and wondered about firing power: “If things go wrong and the new general manager wants to make a move, is he going to be empowered to do so?”
J.J. McCarthy trade talk heats up: Forness flagged Tom Pelissero’s comments as a “big red flag,” suggesting the team may be signaling availability: “The fact that he is now talking about a trade raises a big red flag for me that says, ‘Hey, come and get him.’” The duo discussed maximum trade value now versus later, locker-room risks, and the reality that Murray appears far ahead in OTAs.
2 months ago
NFL fans expected a major trade to happen today, but not this. The Cleveland Browns announced they have traded two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams.
Here are the details on the trade, according to Ian Rapoport.
“Now agreed to and official: The #Browns are trading Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the #Rams for star edge Jared Verse, a 2027 1st-round, a 2028 2nd round, and a 2029 3rd, per me, AdamSchefter and TomPelissero.
The offseason's biggest trade is final and real.”
Naturally, it was a shock to learn that the Browns have traded arguably their best player to the Rams, especially for Browns fans.
Here are the details on the trade, according to Ian Rapoport.
“Now agreed to and official: The #Browns are trading Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the #Rams for star edge Jared Verse, a 2027 1st-round, a 2028 2nd round, and a 2029 3rd, per me, AdamSchefter and TomPelissero.
The offseason's biggest trade is final and real.”
Naturally, it was a shock to learn that the Browns have traded arguably their best player to the Rams, especially for Browns fans.
9 months ago
UPDATE: The Jets receive a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-rounder and DT Mazi Smith. (via
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1 yr. ago
CB Tre White agrees to 1-year deal with Bills, with a max value up to $6.8 million. (via
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