ESPN sent social media into a frenzy with a series of layoffs affecting major talent on its network. Much of the discussion centered on Ryan Clark and some of the people they kept, but Tom Pelissero is one of the names that hasn’t been discussed as often.
The decorated NFL reporter landed on his feet, quickly securing a new role, prompting fans to call out ESPN once again.
Social Media Rips ESPN After Tom Pelissero Secures a New Role
On Monday, Netflix announced that “Tom Pelissero is joining Netflix Gameday as a sideline reporter and NFL insider for the full slate of games this season, starting with 49ers vs. Rams in Week 1 from Melbourne.”
“Tom Pelissero will also co-host The Ringer NFL Show and contribute across The Ringer’s NFL podcasts, including a weekly appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast,” the post continued. “The Ringer’s video podcasts are available on Netflix.
“ESPNs loss and Netflix’s gain,” said George C | The Edge on X. “ESPN is a sinking ship.”
ESPNs loss and Netflix’s gain. ESPN is a sinking ship
— George C | The Edge. (@EdgeDailyReport) August 17, 2026
Pelissero was one of many high-profile employees who left ESPN during its mass layoffs this year. He was joined by Clark, Karl Ravech, Bart Scott, Stephania Bell, Cam Newton, Charles Davis, and others.
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ESPN faced heavy backlash from fans online after the dismissal of so many familiar faces, but now, with Pelissero being announced in a new position elsewhere, fans have fuel to add to the fire in their criticism of ESPN.
“Good! ESPN really screwed up on this one,” added Randy Browning.
Good! ESPN really screwed up on this one.
— Randy Browning (@RudyBrowning04) August 17, 2026
Pelissero had been with NFL Network since 2017 and became a widely respected member of the football reporting and media landscape. In January of 2026, ESPN finalized a deal to fully purchase NFL Network and gain a stranglehold on the NFL media market.
The network reached extensions with both Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport, as well as some of their other talent, causing them to have to make some tough decisions with some layoffs.
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ESPN’s loss became Netflix and The Ringer’s gain.
“Great move by Netflix and The Ringer,” added Bobby Burack. “Pelissero was the one big mistake ESPN made during its layoffs. ESPN could have accounted for 99% of NFL scoops between Schefter, Rapoport, and Pelissero. With Pelissero, there will be real competition.”
Great move by Netflix and The Ringer.
Pelissero was the one big mistake ESPN made during its layoffs. ESPN could have accounted for 99% of NFL scoops between Schefter, Rapoport and Pelissero.
With Pelissero, there will be real competition. https://t.co/qmQl7OivFE
— Bobby Burack (@burackbobby_) August 17, 2026
This is not the first time ESPN has had widespread layoffs, as this has seemingly become an annual trend for the company as they continue to get larger. While they have inked some of their top-end talent like Stephen A. Smith, Pat McAfee, Schefter, and Rapoport to long-term contracts, they have been forced to cut costs elsewhere, resulting in the loss of some talented analysts, hosts, and reporters.
The Ringer has taken full advantage of this situation in the past and continued to do so in 2026, adding more talent to their website and podcast network.
“Bill Simmons and the Ringer keep using ESPN layoffs to reload each summer,” said Andrew Marchand of The Athletic. “With Pelissero combo signing with Netflix, this is third time that the Ringer/Spotify have dipped in on ESPN/NFL Network castoffs. Todd McShay, Zach Lowe were the first two.”
Bill Simmons and the Ringer keep using ESPN layoffs to reload each summer.
With Pelissero combo signing with Netflix, this is third time that the Ringer/Spotify have dipped in on ESPN/NFL Network castoffs.
Todd McShay, Zach Lowe were the first two.
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) August 17, 2026
When one door closes, another opens, and that has proven true for Pelissero. He will take the next step in his career in journalism and sports media with Netflix and The Ringer, where he is expected to be an integral part of their NFL coverage.
