Ed Werder is out at ESPN — again.
Werder announced the top of his 26-year run with the Worldwide Leader with an X post Thursday, with the tone indicating it was not a mutual decision.
The network previously laid him off in 2017 before he returned in 2019.
“For 26 years, I’ve had the privilege of reporting on the NFL and the Dallas Cowboys while holding an ESPN microphone,” Werder wrote. “But that point is coming to an end. I’ll immediately begin considering other opportunities to proceed my work covering the NFL.
“My ESPN profession was highlighted by being assigned to cover 20 consecutive Super Bowls and included having my contributions honored on the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”
Werder, 64, became a staple of ESPN’s NFL coverage throughout the years, particularly with the Cowboys and owner Jerry Jones.
He covered the Cowboys for the network from 1998-2017 before massive company layoffs, in line with his ESPN bio, appearing on shows like “SportsCenter” and “Monday Night Countdown.”
Werder also has worked for the Dallas Morning News, Fort Price Star-Telegram (1989), Orlando Sentinel and Sports Illustrated, amongst others, in line with ESPN.
He received the 2017 Dick McCann award from the Skilled Football Writers of America for his coverage of the game.
Werder’s statement included loads of thanks for all those he worked with during his time with ESPN, while making it clear he expects to still cover the NFL.
“I can be remiss if I didn’t express appreciation to my incredible colleagues and to the players, coaches and other NFL team members who trusted me with their unique insight when covering their games or breaking news,” Werder wrote. “I’ve created some incredible lifelong memories.
“My gratitude to all who’ve been within the audience, and I remain thankful to have been provided essentially the most coveted platform in broadcast journalism.
“While this marks the top of my partnership with ESPN, I expect to proceed working because, as so many studio hosts have proclaimed – and I still devoutly consider – ‘Ed Werder has more.’”
ESPN released a press release thanking Werder for his time with the outlet.
“Ed Werder has been a mainstay on ESPN’s NFL coverage for greater than 25 seasons. 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,” the statement said. “His journalistic instincts and relationships have benefitted fans all year long. We thank Ed for all the things he contributed and need him success in the long run.”
