ESPN laid off almost two-dozen personalities Friday in a bid to cut costs, but arguably none generated more outrage or sympathy than the departure of Suzy Kolber.
A longtime fixture at ESPN as a sideline reporter and analyst, Kolber was deeply respected by colleagues and well-liked by fans.
One of the original ESPN2 anchors when the network launched in 1993, Kolber briefly left for Fox Sports before returning to ESPN in 1999.
In recent years Kolber had played a highly visible role in the network’s NFL coverage, including co-hosting duties on Monday Night Countdown (fellow Countdown personality Steve Young also fell victim to the ESPN cuts Friday).
Kolber shared her thoughts on Twitter Friday afternoon.
“Today I join the many hard-working colleagues who have been laid off,” Kolber tweeted. “Heartbreaking — but 27 years at ESPN was a good run. So grateful for a 38 yr career! Longevity for a woman in this business is something I’m especially proud of.”
Today I join the many hard-working colleagues who have been laid off.
Heartbreaking-but 27 years at ESPN was a good run.
So grateful for a 38 yr career!
Longevity for a woman in this business is something I’m especially proud of.
Next step- a project that gives back. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/URitozP0LQ
— Suzy Kolber (@SuzyKolber) June 30, 2023
The 59-year-old Kolber tweeted that her next step is a “project that gives back.”
Fans and fellow sports journalists were quick to pay their respects to Kolber.
WHAT A LEGEND Suzy Kolber is. Always informative and entertaining and that’s why the fans LOVE YOU. Remember walking around stadiums with you this past season and hearing the fans chant your name in every city. Thank you for welcoming my family and myself to Monday Night… https://t.co/ne3oIIuFiQ
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) June 30, 2023
Suzy Kolber is a pioneer and a legend. She, like others laid off today, always will be remembered and missed. https://t.co/yVODbL7lDl
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 30, 2023
You’re an absolute legend Suzy. Thank you for everything you’ve done for the game of football and broadcasting as a whole.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 30, 2023
Heartbreaking indeed. You should absolutely be proud, Suzy. Without you leading the way with your work ethic and your professionalism, there aren’t nearly as many women who get the chance to be a part of NFL coverage. I count myself among them.
Wishing you all the best.— Stephania Bell (@Stephania_ESPN) June 30, 2023
You have been a superstar with class every single day of your career. Congratulations on a great run Suzy
— Sean Salisbury (@SeanUnfiltered) June 30, 2023
Congratulations on such an accomplished run, @SuzyKolber. That kind of longevity in any profession is almost unheard of these days. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) June 30, 2023
@espn let some amazing talent go today….really sad to see some legends get let go. The talent is what makes the brand, not the other way around.
— Steven Rosenblatt (@stevenjr76) June 30, 2023
This espn stuff should have been handled better.
They treating it like NFL cut day.
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) June 30, 2023
