Ed Werder out at ESPN after 26 years in stunning development
Ed Werder is out at ESPN — again.
Werder announced the end of his 26-year run with the Worldwide Leader with an X post Thursday, with the tone indicating it was not a mutual decision.
The network previously laid him off in 2017 before he returned in 2019.
“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.”
pic.twitter.com/l5jxVvifwo
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) May 23, 2024
Ed Werder at Cowboys training camp in 2019. AP
Werder, 64, became a staple of ESPN’s NFL coverage throughout the years, particularly with the Cowboys and owner Jerry Jones.
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.”
Werder also has worked for the Dallas Morning News, Fort Worth Star-Telegram (1989), Orlando Sentinel and Sports Illustrated, among others, according to ESPN.
He received the 2017 Dick McCann award from the Professional Football Writers of America for his coverage of the sport.
Ed Werder (r) and Troy Aikman (l) in 2019. AP
Werder’s statement included plenty of thanks for all those he worked with during his time with ESPN, while making it clear he expects to still cover the NFL.
“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.'”
In his Dallas return, Ezekiel Elliott should have great value in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
The #Cowboys were 26th in the NFL in goal-to-go efficiency last season and scored a touchdown on only 4 of 8 rush attempts from the 1-yard line, per @EpKap pic.twitter.com/lZoJSDcwMk— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) April 29, 2024
ESPN released a statement thanking Werder for his time with the outlet.
“Ed Werder has been a mainstay on ESPN’s NFL coverage for more than 25 seasons. He has elevated our programs, including ‘Sunday NFL Countdown,’ and the multiple platforms he’s contributed to while reporting at signature games, Super Bowls and nearly all league events,” the statement said. “His journalistic instincts and relationships have benefitted fans throughout the year. We thank Ed for everything he contributed and wish him success in the future.”