Robert Griffin III speaks out after ESPN firing: 'Will continue to seek and defend the truth'

After posting a now-viral clip following his departure from ESPN on Thursday, Robert Griffin III posted a heartfelt statement. The network opted to part ways with the former Heisman Trophy winner in a budget-related move, The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand reported.

Griffin served as an NFL and college football analyst for ESPN, including game broadcasts alongside Bob Wischusen at the college level and 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 expressed his gratitude for his three years at ESPN and reflected on his time in the booth. He also vowed to continue “to seek and defend the truth while telling athletes’ stories the right way.”

Thankful for so many people in my time at ESPN that helped me grow because they are some of the best in the business.

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… pic.twitter.com/vgoBhQkoe9

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) August 16, 2024

“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.”

More on Robert Griffin III’s departure from ESPN

Griffin was one of two ESPN personalities fired Thursday, along with Sunday NFL Countdown host Sam Ponder. Marchand reported Ponder’s contract was expiring and Griffin had two years left, and the network made the decision with the end of its fiscal year looming.

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.

Griffin also had a spot on Monday Night Countdown alongside Scott Van Pelt, Marcus Spears and Ryan Clark. However, with Kelce now on board, he was the odd man out.