ESPN's NFL coverage is undergoing a massive transformation, and the latest casualty is two-time Super Bowl champion Damien Woody. The network confirmed on Wednesday that it is parting ways with the veteran analyst, who has been a fixture on ESPN screens since 2011.
Woody, a former offensive lineman who won championships with the New England Patriots and Detroit Lions, was a regular on shows like "SportsCenter" and "Get Up," where he offered sharp insights on the game's biggest storylines. In a statement to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, Woody reflected on his tenure: "Being at ESPN for 15 years, it's been an absolute joy."
This move comes on the heels of ESPN's decision to release Ryan Clark, another prominent NFL voice, and part ways with former MVP Cam Newton, who had been a recurring presence on "First Take." The network has been aggressively reshaping its on-air talent, and Woody's exit is the latest sign that no one is safe in this new era.
Clark's departure last month was particularly messy, with reports indicating that ESPN informed him during a live show because they feared the news would leak. Marchand detailed that the network had planned to tell Clark on Tuesday morning but accelerated the timeline after receiving media inquiries. The Athletic had reported weeks earlier that Clark's job was in jeopardy.
As ESPN clears house, it's also making moves to fill the void. According to Bobby Burack of OutKick, the network is building a new show around Peter Schrager, a popular NFL analyst known for his energetic style. Meanwhile, Front Office Sports' Ryan Glasspiegel reports that former Carolina Panthers star Steve Smith Sr. is expected to have a recurring role across ESPN's studio programs, including "Get Up," "First Take," and "NFL Live."
"While the plan for exactly when and where Smith will appear is still fluid, it could include shows like Get Up, First Take, NFL Live, and the expected-to-be-announced Peter Schrager show that will air at 2 p.m. ET after The Pat McAfee Show," Glasspiegel said.
The changes are part of a broader strategy to revamp ESPN's NFL programming, which has faced criticism for being too predictable. The network is also dealing with the fallout from cutting beloved analyst Charles Davis, a move that drew widespread fan backlash.
Woody's departure is a significant loss for viewers who appreciated his no-nonsense analysis and his ability to break down offensive line play in a way that was both accessible and insightful. He was a key part of ESPN's NFL coverage for over a decade, and his absence will be felt.
As ESPN looks to the future, the question remains whether these bold moves will pay off. The network is betting on fresh faces like Schrager and Smith to bring a new energy to its coverage, but it's a risky gamble. With the NFL season fast approaching, ESPN's revamped lineup will be under the microscope.
For now, fans are left to wonder who else might be on the chopping block. The only certainty is that change is coming, and it's coming fast.
