ESPN NFL reporter Ed Werder brutally axed for second time in seven years

NFL reporter Ed Werder has been brutally axed for the second time in seven years by ESPN as the industry veteran released a cryptic message following his departure.

On Thursday, Werder, 64, announced the end of his 26-year association with 'The Mother Ship' after the network previously laid him off in 2017 before he returned in 2019. 

From the tone of his online statement, it sounds like his exit from ESPN wasn't by mutual decision. Werder first started at the company in 1998.

'For 26 years, I've had the privilege of reporting on the NFL and the Dallas Cowboys while holding an ESPN microphone,' he wrote. 'But that time is coming to an end. I will immediately begin considering other opportunities to continue my work covering the NFL.

'My ESPN career was highlighted by being assigned to cover 20 consecutive Super Bowls and included having my contributions honored at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. [...] While this marks the end of my partnership, I expect to continue working because, as so many studio hosts have proclaimed, and I still devoutly believe - ''Ed Werder has more.'''

Werder, who covered Jerry Jones' Cowboys from 1998-2017 before massive company layoffs, according to his ESPN bio, is also known for his appearances on shows like 'SportsCenter and 'Monday Night Football.'

His work has also appeared in The Dallas Morning News, Fort-Worth Star-Telegram Orlando Sentinel and Sports Illustrated.

In 2017, Werder received the 2017 Dick McCann award, which determined by the Professional Football Writers of America.

On Thursday, several prominent figures on ESPN flooded Werder's farewell post from the network on X.

'Thank you for being a great teammate brother. You will be an asset wherever you go next,' shared former NFL quarterback-turned-pundit Robert Griffin III. 

ESPN NFL reporter Jeff Darlington wrote: 'Thank you, Ed, for paving the way for so many of us in sports journalism. I know you're not done -- but it's still worth celebrating a Hall of Fame run at ESPN! Congratulations!' 

ESPN NFL analyst and former quarterback Dan Orlovsky said: 'Man one of the absolute best. What a privilege it was to ever be on show you were on Ed. You'll be missed, blessings.'

ESPN released a statement thanking Werder for his longtime contribution to the outlet. 

'Ed Werder has been a mainstay on ESPN's NFL coverage for more than 25 seasons. He has elevated our programs, including ''Sunday NFL Countdown,'' and the multiple platforms he's contributed to while reporting at signature games, Super Bowls and nearly all league events,' the statement said. 

'His journalistic instincts and relationships have benefitted fans throughout the year. We thank Ed for everything he contributed and wish him success in the future.'