RGIII GONE
ESPN sensationally fires Robert Griffin III after handing his Monday Night Countdown job to NFL legend Jason Kelce
Sam Ponder is also out at ESPN in a massive shake-up
ESPN has fired former NFL star Robert Griffin III.
The longtime NFL quarterback and former Heisman Trophy winner, 34, first joined ESPN in 2021.
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The U.S. Sun understands ESPN and Griffin have parted ways with the decision coming down to the network's evaluation of its costs and needs.
Sunday NFL Countdown host Sam Ponder was also fired by the network.
Griffin leaves the network with two years left on his deal, which was signed amid interest from both ESPN and Fox Sports.
This also follows a bizarre tweet from Griffin earlier on Thursday in which he seemingly eluded to people hoping he would fail.
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"There are people in your circle saying they want you to win, but doing everything they can to make you lose," he said.
"Don't be afraid to cut people off when they keep handing you the scissors."
Since joining the network, Griffin had worked on NFL Live and Monday Night Countdown, while also covering college football.
The writing appeared to be on the wall for Griffin as far back as April, when he was replaced on Countdown by former Philadelphia Eagles center, Jason Kelce.
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"Turns out, it was a short retirement! I'm excited to join ESPN, and particularly the Monday Night Countdown team," Kelce said in a statement in May.
"ESPN was a consistent presence in our household growing up and the network helped shape who I am and my love of all sports.
NBA star gasps 'Jesus couldn't make me post this' seeing Robert Griffin III's croissant picture with wife Grete Sadeiko
"To now appear on that same screen is a full circle moment.
"And, I mean it's freaking Monday Night Football! and I'm ready for some football."
What this means for Griffin's future remains to be seen, with the former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year also the host of his own podcast - Outta Pocket with RGIII.
Not yet officially retired from the NFL, Griffin last suited up for the Baltimore Ravens in 2020, when he served as Lamar Jackson's backup.
His two years in Baltimore followed a two-year break, kicked off when he was released by the Cleveland Browns in the spring of 2017 after just one season.
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Griffin is most well-known among NFL fans for his four seasons with the Washington Commanders between 2012 and 2015.
Drafted second overall out of Baylor following an exceptional 2011 season, Griffin started 15 games as a rookie, being named to the Pro Bowl and the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
He finished the 2012 campaign having thrown for 3,200 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just five picks.
Griffin also rushed for 815 yards and another seven touchdowns.
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Unfortunately, injuries ultimately derailed Griffin's promising career, leading him to eventually lose the starting job to Kirk Cousins before bouncing around the NFL.
To date, Griffin has made 56 NFL appearances, throwing for 9,271 yards, 43 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions, while rushing for another 1,809 yards and 10 scores.
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