Robert Griffin III predicted he would give his fans answers, days after being fired by ESPN.
It was reported on Thursday that Griffin and Sunday NFL Countdown host Samantha Ponder have both been laid off as the network approaches the end of its fiscal year in late September.
Three days after being relieved of his duties, the NFL analyst thanked his fans on social media for their support and indicated that he wanted to go public about his firing.
“As I sit here with my family on this beautiful day, we are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support you have received from each of you over the past 72+ hours,” he wrote on X.
“You really are the best.”
Robert Griffin hints at ‘answers’ in statement following his firing from ESPN on Thursday
Griffin was fired by the network after three years as an NFL analyst
“Your support means the world to us, and I can’t wait to connect with you guys directly about everything,” Griffin continued. “I’ll be sitting down to chat with YOU guys soon, so make sure you subscribe to my YouTube channel, ask any questions you have here and under my latest video, and I’ll answer them soon.
“We are honored that you love the way we cover sports, tell stories, and celebrate life. As a family, we strive to inspire people to be their best selves every day, but YOU are the one who inspires us to push even harder. Let’s continue this journey together.”
Griffin was hired by ESPN three years ago after both the network and rival FOX Sports expressed interest in him.
He was highly regarded as ESPN’s No. 2 college football game analyst last season, along with Sean McDonough. However, the job ultimately went to Greg McElroy.
Griffin expressed gratitude for his time at ESPN, having been fired with two years left on his contract
Samantha Ponder was also laid off as ESPN nears the end of its fiscal year
Since then, Griffin’s value has plummeted, making him a prime candidate to be cut. While his seven-figure annual salary is honored, his role has diminished to the point that ESPN decided not to retain him, despite having two years left on his contract.
After news of his firing broke, Griffin posted a clip from the movie “Friday,” in which John Witherspoon’s character says, “How the hell do you get fired on your day off?”
Hours later, he posted a montage of himself covering a Clemson football game, expressing gratitude for his time at ESPN.
“There were so many amazing experiences and moments that my family and I will never forget from these past 3 years,” Griffin wrote. “What people sometimes don’t realize is that none of this would be possible without you, the FANS.
“So THANK YOU to everyone who has supported my family throughout my playing days and my broadcasting career to this point. We love you and will continue to seek and advocate for the truth while telling athletes’ stories the right way.”