DAMIEN WOODY EXITS ESPN AFTER 15 YEARS WITH NFL NETWORK

Damien Woody will leave ESPN when his contract expires later this month, ending a 15-year tenure at the sports broadcaster. Woody, a former NFL player who won two Super Bowl rings during his time with the New England Patriots, shared news of his departure with media outlet The Athletic. He will remain on air through the expiration of his contract by his own choice. Woody told The Athletic: "Being at ESPN for 15 years, it's been an absolute joy."

Woody was a first-round pick in 1999 and spent 12 years playing for the Patriots, Lions and Jets during his playing career. He joined ESPN as an analyst following his retirement from professional football. According to one account, ESPN's handling of Woody's departure differed from recent layoffs at the broadcaster, where media outlets learned of personnel changes before the affected employees in some cases. Woody, now 48 years old, indicated he intends to continue working in sports media following his ESPN exit.

Woody told The Athletic: "At the end of the day, I just want to talk ball." ESPN's decision not to retain Woody forms part of broader changes to the broadcaster's on-air talent roster in recent months. The network has not publicly stated reasons for Woody's contract non-renewal.