Damien Woody discusses departure from ESPN after 15 years

NFL analyst and two-time Super Bowl champion Damien Woody is transitioning away from ESPN after the network opted not to renew his contract. His 15-year tenure with the broadcaster, which began in 2011 following his NFL retirement, is expected to conclude at the end of August.

During an appearance on ‘The Trey Wingo Show’, Woody described the departure as an ‘adjustment’ but expressed optimism regarding his future. He noted that moving away from a major network provides the freedom to discuss topics of personal interest without having to succumb to specific programming mandates or repetitive subject matter.

Woody, who appeared on programs such as ‘First Take’ and ‘NFL Live’, indicated he is looking forward to new opportunities that allow him to continue ‘talking ball’. Former ESPN host Trey Wingo, who also transitioned to independent media in 2020, suggested that the independence of being one's own boss can be ‘quite liberating’.