NFL changes aren't exclusive to the players, coaches and front-office members. NFL reporters can also experience the whirlwind that an offseason can bring. Just ask Ed Werder.
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For the second time in his career, the top-notch NFL insider was bounced by ESPN. It's true — as he was initially laid off in 2017, before being brought back two years later. Again, it hardly seems like this was a mutual decision, based on Werder's comments on social media.
"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 time is coming to an end. I will immediately begin considering other opportunities to continue my work covering the NFL.
"My ESPN career was highlighted by being assigned to cover 20 consecutive Super Bowls and included having my contributions honored at the Pro Football Hall of Fame."
Werder, 64, was indeed best known for his coverage of the Cowboys and team owner Jerry Jones. He also spent time with the Dallas Morning News, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Orlando Sentinel and Sports Illustrated, among others.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) May 23, 2024
He covered the Cowboys for the network from 1998-2017 before massive company layoffs, according to his ESPN bio, appearing on shows like 'SportsCenter' and 'Monday Night Countdown,'" wrote Matt Ehalt of the New York Post. "... He received the 2017 Dick McCann award from the Professional Football Writers of America for his coverage of the sport."
Werder thanked everyone who helped him along the way and suggested he would resurface.
"I would 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 have been in the audience, and I remain thankful to have been provided the most coveted platform in broadcast journalism.
"While this marks the end of my partnership with ESPN, I expect to continue working because, as so many studio hosts have proclaimed - and I still devoutly believe - 'Ed Werder has more.'"
