Damien Woody exits ESPN amid network personnel changes
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 13, 2026, 4:25 PM
Last updated Aug 13, 2026

Damien Woody, a former NFL player, is leaving ESPN after 15 years with the network. The decision comes amid a sizable shakeup at ESPN, linked to the $3-billion acquisition of NFL Network, resulting in several personnel cuts. Woody's contract was not renewed despite recent negotiations, and he stated he will continue to appear on air until the end of the month. He reflected positively on his time at ESPN, noting the pride he felt overcoming a speech impediment to work in broadcasting.
- •Woody played 12 NFL seasons, including four with the Lions.
- •His contract was not renewed despite extension talks this summer.
- •He joined ESPN in 2011 after retiring from playing.
- •Woody was part of a larger set of cuts at ESPN following the NFL Network acquisition.
- •Woody plans to appear on air until the end of August.
- 4:25 PMYahoo Sports — Former Lions player is latest departure from ESPN amid summer cuts
"Damien Woody played 12 seasons in the NFL, including four with the Lions, before joining ESPN in 2011.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NFL•Aug 13, 2026, 4:03 PMLogan Ryan Made Nearly $80M While In NFL And ‘Never Spent A Dollar’ Of It — Here’s What He Did Instead
NFL•Aug 13, 2026, 3:13 PMWhat are the Dallas Cowboys ranked No. 1 at? Money, of course
NFL•Aug 13, 2026, 3:12 PMJaguars earn top-10 spot power rankings after Liam Coen calls out doubters
NFL•Aug 13, 2026, 2:57 PMPatriots CB Christian Gonzalez makes major leap on NFL top 100 list
NFL•Aug 13, 2026, 2:56 PMKey Names To Know On Patriots’ 2026 Preseason Roster
NFL•Aug 13, 2026, 2:05 PMJets wide receiver relives viral 2025 fumble: 'It helped me grow'
