Paul Finebaum: Robert Griffin III firing was 'big surprise to nearly everyone'

ESPN shocked many around the NFL and college football worlds with its decision to fire Robert Griffin III on Thursday. The former Heisman Trophy winner, along with NFL Countdown host Sam Ponder, were let go in what The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand reported to be budget-related moves.

Griffin became a fixture of ESPN’s college football coverage the last couple years, talking ball on Get Up and calling games alongside Bob Wischusen. That sometimes put him in segments with SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum, who reacted to Griffin’s departure on Friday.

Caller Colin called in to The Paul Finebaum Show and asked about Griffin’s departure, saying he was a fan of the former Baylor star’s analysis. Finebaum responded saying he, like many, was surprised to hear about Griffin’s firing.

“That was reported [Thursday],” Finebaum said, via Awful Announcing. “I don’t think the company has confirmed it. But it was a big surprise to nearly everyone.”

Finebaum later elaborated, speaking highly of Griffin and what he brought to the desk and booth. However, he added he doesn’t know much about the circumstances around ESPN’s decision.

“Everybody always thinks that people that sit in chairs like this don’t ever want to comment on it,” Finebaum said. “I mean, I’ve got strong opinions on a lot of people I work with. And some of them might blow you away. The point being, I have no earthly idea. If I had some insight, I would be happy to share it with you.

“I know him – I know him pretty well. And he was completely different than most of the paint-by-number analysts.”

More on Robert Griffin III’s media career

Along with his college football coverage, Griffin spent time on the Monday Night Countdown panel. However, ESPN pulled him from Countdown this year after hiring Jason Kelce, and the network cut ties Thursday. Griffin had two years left on his contract, according to The Athletic.

Griffin won a Heisman Trophy during his decorated career at Baylor from 2008-11 and spent time with Washington, the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens during his NFL career, which was marred by injuries. He then ventured into the media world, and ESPN wasn’t his only suitor.

The Athletic reported FOX Sports also expressed interest and even considered Griffin to replace Reggie Busch on Big Noon Kickoff last year. However, the network opted to hire Mark Ingram, and Griffin moved to the broadcast team with Wischusen after a shakeup. He received consideration for the No. 2 spot alongside Sean McDonough which ultimately went to Greg McElroy, The Athletic reported.

After news broke of his firing, Griffin responded with a clip from the movie Friday on social media. Then, he shared a heartfelt statement expressing gratitude for his time with ESPN.

“Thankful for so many people in my time at ESPN that helped me grow because they are some of the best in the business,” Griffin wrote on X. “From the broadcast booth to the studio and ESPECIALLY the people many of you never see behind the camera. They are the REAL MVPs and sacrifice so much time with their families just to ensure people like myself in front of the camera even have the opportunity to shine. There were so many awesome experiences and moments that my family and I will never forget from the last 3 years.

“What people sometimes fail to realize is none of this is possible without you guys, the FANS. So THANK YOU to everyone who has supported my family through my playing days and broadcast career so far. We love you guys and will continue to seek and defend the truth while telling athletes’ stories the right way.”