ESPN Fires NFL MVP QB

July 22, 2026

In partnership with

Publication by EssentiallySports

July 22, 2026 | Edition #482

Hey Folks,

Several familiar voices in the football community were unexpectedly shown the door by ESPN in a recent sweeping overhaul. Among them was a former NFL MVP, who has now addressed his departure. His message, however, might not be what you expected.

The legendary player has shared an interesting perspective on his abrupt exit.

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ESPN’s latest internal restructuring efforts have led to a turbulent period for many football analysts. Here’s a quick look at where some of their biggest names stand:

  • Tim Tebow, who turned to the network in 2013 and has already been part of SEC Nation for the last 13 seasons, is staying on after agreeing to a contract extension.

  • Mina Kimes, who has been with the broadcasting company since 2014, appears to have avoided the layoffs and is expected to continue her role covering football.

  • Ryan Clark signed with the network in 2015 and has been let go after spending more than a decade as a regular on NFL Live and Monday Night Countdown.

  • Tom Pelissero joined NFL Network in 2017 and established himself as one of the league’s top insiders. Following ESPN’s acquisition of the broadcasting company, he is expected to be among the high-profile departures.

  • Cam Newton joined ESPN in 2024 and has been laid off despite bringing his former MVP perspective to First Take and the NFL coverage.

Travis Kelce didn’t begin his football journey as a tight end. A standout quarterback in high school, he signed with Cincinnati at that position. But after a suspension, head coach Butch Jones offered him a way back to the team with one condition: switch to tight end. With Zach Collaros already established under centre for the Bearcats, he embraced the move.

Looking back after being drafted by the Chiefs, Kelce said his skill set and athleticism “transferred over,” adding that the position change “worked out perfect” for him.

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