Two-time Super Bowl champion Damien Woody is the latest casualty of ESPN’s purge of former NFL players.
Woody broke the news of his departure from ESPN, following the expiry of his contract at the end of this month, to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand on Wednesday.
NFL Community Reacts to Damien Woody’s ESPN Exit
The NFL world on X reacted with sadness at Woody’s ESPN departure:
Former NFL cornerback Asante Samuel congratulated Woody on his work with the network and wished him well in the future.
“Salute to my guy. Great job, brother! I hope your future brings you an abundance of joy,” Samuel wrote.
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Analyst Dan Ruppert blamed Stephen A. Smith for the talent drain at ESPN.
“Keeping Stephen A has been the downfall of ESPN. It’s amazing, one guy screaming while being wrong about everything has pushed out all the good or even remotely good content. All for one man, the fall of ESPN,” Ruppert theorized.
Keeping Stephen A has been the downfall of ESPN. It’s amazing, one guy screaming while being wrong about everything has pushed out all the good or even remotely good content.
All for one man, the fall of ESPN. https://t.co/wYsMiS9q9S
— Takes for Days (@Dan_Ruppert) August 12, 2026
‘The Jet Press’ was disheartened by Woody’s exit from ESPN. The account wrote, “It’s fascinating (read: disheartening) to see some of the talent ESPN prioritizes in the present day; D-Wood is awesome.”
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NFL analyst Will Parkinson was sure that ESPN had made a mistake with Woody’s departure.
“Massive mistake for ESPN…. He’ll get scooped up quickly…. Good news means more D Wood on the TOJ Pod this fall,” Parkinson posted.
Massive mistake for ESPN…. He’ll get scooped up quickly…. Good news means more D Wood on the TOJ Pod this fall💪 https://t.co/8jvT4yv9Du
— Will Parkinson (@Willpa11) August 12, 2026
Aaron Nagler was highly critical of ESPN after news of Woody’s departure was announced. He wrote, “This is a damn shame but unsurprising. Damien Woody is too classy for that joint.”
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Sports analyst Bill Burt was shocked by the network’s decision to let go of Woody.
“This is another ESPN gaffe letting @damienwoody go. Normal guy. Family man. Former “good” player. Smart guy. Ex-Patriot (everybody loves their angles). Played in NY/NJ. Wasn’t a blowhard with ridiculous takes,” Burt posted.
This is another ESPN gaffe letting @damienwoody go.
Normal guy. Family man. Former “good” player. Smart guy. Ex-Patriot (everybody loves their angles). Played in NY/NJ.
Wasn’t a blowhard with ridiculous takes. https://t.co/QdcbNTsRaZ— Bill Burt 🇺🇸 (@BurtTalksSports) August 12, 2026
Unlike Ryan Clark, who was informed of his departure during a segment of the “NFL Live” and left the network under acrimonious circumstances, Woody will still be on air for the remainder of his contract. Woody’s case is similar to Karl Ravech, who was laid off but will call the New York Yankees’ clash against the Seattle Mariners.
Woody starred for the Boston College Eagles before being selected No. 17 overall by the New England Patriots in the 1999 NFL Draft. He was selected to the NFL All-Rookie team, won two Super Bowl titles with the Patriots, and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2002.
The offensive guard also played for the Detroit Lions and the New York Jets before retiring in 2011 and joining ESPN later that year. He made regular appearances on various shows, including “Get Up,” “First Take,” “NFL Live,” “Fantasy Football Now,” and “SportsCenter.”
