Rob Ninkovich leaving ESPN as analyst

Another big name is set to leave ESPN as the network prepares for layoffs. Former NFL player Rob Ninkovich is heading out the door, Front Office Sports’ Michael McCarthy reported.

Ninkovich joined ESPN in 2019 following an 11-year NFL career with the New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots. Of course, he made a name for himself in New England, helping the Patriots to two Super Bowl titles and received Patriots All-Decade team honors.

While with ESPN, Ninkovich has been a staple on Get Up, This Just In and SportsCenter, among other programming. His contract is not being renewed when it expires at the end of the summer, making him the latest high-profile departure from the network as layoffs loom.

NHL analyst Chris Chelios is also on his way out the door as ESPN opted not to pick up his contract, as is longtime SportsCenter anchor Neil Everett. A staple on the SportsCenter desk for 23 years, he confirmed his plans to leave in a fitting statement to FOS earlier this month.

“Bartender…last call,” he said.

ESPN to pull the plug on ‘Keyshawn, JWill & Max’ morning radio show

ESPN is also reportedly planning to pull the plug on This Just In as it prepares to bring The Pat McAfee Show to the network later this year. That already put Max Kellerman’s future in doubt, and a report from the New York Post’s Andrew Marchand raised even more questions as his morning radio show is reportedly getting canceled, as well.

Keyshawn, JWill & Max has been on the air for the last couple years as the network worked to find a long-term replacement for Mike & Mike, which signed off in 2017. Now that KJM is going off the air, it’s unclear what — if any — future Kellerman has at ESPN.

As for Keyshawn Johnson and Jay Williams, their futures are “in flux,” according to Marchand. Johnson has been with ESPN since 2007 as part of the network’s NFL coverage, and Williams joined ESPN full-time in 2008 after his NBA career abruptly ended due to a motorcycle accident. Williams’ contract ends at the end of the summer, as well, and Marchand added he could find himself staying with the network in a different role because executives hold him in high regard.

Layoffs could pick up at ESPN into next week, Marchand reported, as the network continues to restructure. Disney CEO Bob Iger previously announced plans to lay off 7,000 employees across the company.