Just a year ago, former NFL star wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson signed a long-term five-year deal with ESPN to serve as an analyst for the network. But just a year into that deal, it sounds like his time with ESPN is coming to a close.
According to a report from the New York Post on Friday afternoon, Keyshawn Johnson has been let go from ESPN as part of a massive series of layoffs from the worldwide leader in sports.
It’s certainly bad news for the former NFL star, and he NFL world had plenty to say about it on Twitter as a result.
The news isn’t all bad for Johnson as only a year ago, he signed a five-year deal in the neighborhood of $18 million – and he will be able to collect all of it.
Johnson also may become a top candidate to replace Shannon Sharpe as Skip Bayless’ debater on FS1’s “Undisputed.” https://t.co/G7GEC5Qcdp
— Lynx (@MaAdLynx) June 30, 2023
Jalen Rose, Jeff Van Gundy, Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson amongst the people let go by #ESPN so far today. Cruel business. #sportsbiz https://t.co/V1zGrhiK6X
— SportsBusinessRadio (@SBRadio) June 30, 2023
https://twitter.com/BarrettAll/status/1674820102603038720?s=20
That $18 million payout will soothe his sorrows https://t.co/jxrjxj79Uk
— Fifi (@RefilweI) June 30, 2023
Gotta pay Stephen A and Pat McAfee https://t.co/VVPQOPcHRR
— ⚾Werewolves Ranchero⚾ (@PseudoNic) June 30, 2023
https://twitter.com/Scotian81/status/1674815586713456640?s=20
It’s not great news for Johnson, but as the New York Post points out, he’ll still be able to collect a hefty check from the network even despite his departure and he could be headed for another big-time role with another network.
“The news isn’t all bad for Johnson as only a year ago, he signed a five-year deal in the neighborhood of $18 million – and he will be able to collect all of it,” the Post wrote on Friday. “Johnson also may become a top candidate to replace Shannon Sharpe as Skip Bayless’ debater on FS1’s ‘Undisputed.'”
Still, it never feels good to be fired.
