ESPN announces NFL analyst Darren Woodson is leaving after 14 years with the network
By SDS Staff
Published:
Darren Woodson’s time at ESPN has come to an end.
The former Dallas standout defender played for the Cowboys for 12 seasons and served 14 seasons as an analyst for ESPN’s coverage of the NFL. However, for the first time since the 2005 season, ESPN’s coverage will not include Woodson. The three-time Super Bowl champion has announced he will be leaving the network to become more involved in his commercial real estate business based out of Texas.
Woodson released the following statement explaining his decision:
Fourteen years ago, on my first day at ESPN, I sat next to Trey Wingo and Mark Schlereth on the set of NFL Live to discuss Jerry Rice’s retirement.
For the previous 12 NFL seasons, I excelled on the field – a craft that came…easy. Now I faced a new challenge – one that gave me an immense level of respect for everyone at ESPN who makes television happen. From camera operators and researchers to show producers, the list goes on and on. These are the talented individuals who put me in a position to be successful the past 14 years. I am even more appreciative of these friends and co-workers today than I was on that first day as a rookie analyst. That’s what makes this decision so difficult.
Beyond my ESPN role, my commercial real estate business in Frisco, Texas has grown in recent years, so much so that I have decided to focus more of my time on this. As I conclude this unforgettable chapter of my life, I thank everyone at ESPN for their friendship and for the knowledge they imparted on me, and for making my experience as an NFL analyst with the company so enjoyable.
Television never came easy. Not on the first day – not on the last day, but it was always so much fun. Looking around and seeing the incredible effort of the ESPN team always pushed me to be the best I could be.
To every person at ESPN who helped me along the way, I thank you.
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