Robert Griffin III, a former Heisman Trophy winner and Pro Bowl quarterback in the National Football League, has reportedly been fired by ESPN, according to a report from Andrew Marchand of The Athletic. Griffin was a member of Monday Night Countdown for the last three NFL seasons and also called college football games for the network with Mark Jones and Bob Wischusen. His contract reportedly had two more years until its expiration, but the network has ostensibly made a decision to move in another direction. The move also coincides with the network firing Sam Ponder, the host of Sunday NFL Countdown, both of which are reportedly due to financial reasons.
In 2022, Griffin was classified as “ESPN’s Next Big Star” by Sports Illustrated one year after he had been hired by the network. Prior to the 2024 season though, ESPN made changes to its NFL coverage that included the addition of Jason Kelce to Monday Night Countdown, and he was not introduced with the studio team at The Walt Disney Company Upfronts earlier in the year. Griffin had declining stock at the network, according to the report, and his seven-figure annual salary will still be honored.
Griffin launched a podcast with Wave Sports + Entertainment last year that has since been rebranded to Outta Pocket with RG3. In an interview with Barrett Media last May, he explained that he is staying prepared for another opportunity to take the field as an NFL player. Griffin played eight seasons in the NFL after being selected second overall by Washington in the 2012 NFL Draft and was named the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year during that same season.
This is a developing story. More information will be added as it is learned.
