Robert Griffin III promises ‘answers’ for ESPN firing as wife deals with ‘whirlwind of emotions’

Robert Griffin III is ready to open up about his ESPN firing.

The Heisman-winning quarterback told fans that “questions answered soon” on Sunday, less than a week after he and Sam Ponder were let go by the sports media giant, reportedly for budgetary reasons.

“As I sit here with my family on this beautiful day, we are overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support from you guys over the last past 72+ hours,” Griffin wrote on X.

Robert Griffin III, former NFL athlete and television personality, wearing a suit and tie at the New England Patriots vs Arizona Cardinals game, December 12, 2022.
Robert Griffin was fired by ESPN.Getty Images

“YOU GUYS ARE THE ABSOLUTE BEST. Your support means everything to us, and I can’t wait to connect with you all directly about everything. I’ll be sitting down soon to chat with YOU, so make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, drop all your questions here and under my latest video and I’ll be answering them soon.

“We’re honored that you love the way we cover sports, tell stories, and celebrate life. As a family we try to inspire people to be their best everyday, but it’s YOU who inspire us to push even harder. Let’s keep this journey going together.”

Griffin followed up with “Questions answered here soon” with a link to his YouTube channel.

Robert Griffin III and wife Grete at the The Harold & Carole Pump Foundation on Aug. 18, 2024.
Robert Griffin III and wife Grete at the The Harold & Carole Pump Foundation on Aug. 18, 2024.@gretegiii/Instagram

Griffin had been with ESPN since 2021 and his salary was in the seven-figure range, according to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand.

Griffin was pulled off “Monday Night Countdown” in May after ESPN won a bidding war to add Jason Kelce to the network.

Still, it was believed Griffin would continue covering college football for ESPN.

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III tossing a football during warmups at a 2012 NFL game
Robert Griffin playing for Washington in 2012.AP

Some thought it was strange that Griffin and Ponder, who hosted “Sunday NFL Countdown,” would be axed so close to the football season.

The Athletic reported that it was connected to ESPN’s fiscal year ending in September.

“Despite the last 48 hours being a total whirlwind of emotions, we weren’t gonna let anything get in the way of us helping The Harold & Carole Pump Foundation raise funds and create awareness for the treatment and cure of cancer🙏🏼 Blessed to be a part!” Griffin’s wife, Grete, wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of the couple from the event.

Ponder has yet to speak on the situation.

Griffin was the No. 2 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft after starring at Baylor.

He played eight seasons for Washington, the Browns and the Ravens in a career impacted by a serious knee injury suffered in a wild-card game his rookie season.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *