Damien Woody latest on-air talent cut in ESPN’s summer shake-up

Key Points:

• Damien Woody, a longtime NFL analyst for ESPN, is leaving the network after 15 years as his contract was not renewed, though he will continue appearing on air through the end of the month by his choice.
• Woody, 48, played 12 NFL seasons, won two Super Bowls with the New England Patriots, and overcame a childhood stutter to become a prominent ESPN analyst on shows like "Get Up" and "First Take."
• His departure is part of a recent wave of NFL analyst layoffs at ESPN, which also included Ryan Clark and Bart Scott, though ESPN distinguishes these contract non-renewals from layoffs.
• Woody was previously retained by ESPN amid interest from FS1, which sought to pair him with Craig Carton for a morning show; ESPN extended his contract to block the move, but Carton's show was canceled due to poor ratings.
• After being informed of ESPN's decision weeks ago, Woody and the network discussed potential options, but no agreement was reached, and he plans to pursue other opportunities in sports media.