One of ESPN’s truly iconic figures has been let go from the company.
Longtime reporter Suzy Kolber, best known for her NFL coverage, was among the network’s cuts on Friday. She confirmed on Twitter that she is no longer with ESPN.
Other notable layoffs at the network include Jalen Rose, Steve Young, Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson, Jeff Van Gundy, Neil Everett, Chris Chelios and Rob Ninkovich.
Kolber’s tenure at ESPN was a pioneering one, as she helped pave the way for women regularly covering the NFL in a media landscape long dominated by men. She also hosted SportsCenter during her time with ESPN and covered numerous other sports for the network.
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
It’s hard to really sum up how synonymous she became with the network’s professional football coverage, from hosting ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown to interviewing NFL draft picks right after they get selected. When there was NFL being talked about on ESPN, Kolber was usually there.
As you could imagine, there were plenty of tributes to Kolber and her nearly three decades at the network.
Plenty of folks on Twitter extolled Kobler's time with ESPN.
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
In the middle of the Damar Hamlin chaos, it was Suzy Kolber ESPN turned to in studio to anchor the coverage. She handled it with professionalism, grace and kept analysts from veering into speculation. An absolute shame to see her go. https://t.co/CsraWdA5Do
— Blake Schuster (@Schustee) June 30, 2023
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 no longer with ESPN after 27 years, she announces. One of the best. https://t.co/cEF1K8VvbI
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 30, 2023
Never will forget that first day meeting Stuart and you. He wadded up a script and threw it at me. I threw it back. You gave it that look…like this is going to be something..& it was. Good run, Suzy. ❤️ https://t.co/I4PvWtBi1p
— Kenny Mayne (@Kenny_Mayne) June 30, 2023
Congratulations on an incredible career Suzy! And best of luck with your future endeavors 🥰 https://t.co/14je1Q1wnG
— Grete Griffin (@GGriffinIII) June 30, 2023
The consummate pro 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 https://t.co/UyZMnBNyLl
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) June 30, 2023
Suzy is a pioneer and such an inspiration for women getting into the sports industry. Disappointing to see this. https://t.co/bE9fer2leb
— Lily Zhao (@LilySZhao) June 30, 2023
ESPN laying off Suzy Kolber is insanity. Sheer insanity.
Kolber has been a titan of this industry for decades. Few people are more respected in the space by players and coaches alike.
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) June 30, 2023
When I was a clueless 18-year-old wanting to work in sports, Suzy Kolber took a phone call, gave me advice, and created connections that directly led to my career in football.
She’s as genuine as they come. ESPN lost a great today, but excited to see what’s next. https://t.co/uXMnmOImia
— Ben Marx (@ben_marx15) June 30, 2023
Suzy Kolber is one of the most talented people covering sports on TV. ESPN has made many mistakes – letting her go ranks near to top. https://t.co/mPDVKfTTSL
— Glen Macnow (@RealGlenMacnow) June 30, 2023
Great run. All the best to Suzy Kolber. https://t.co/DiCK62TYDe
— Michael McCarthy (@MMcCarthyREV) June 30, 2023
Suzy Kolber – one of the preeminent voices that I associate with the NFL throughout my lifetime. When I think about being a kid and watching ESPN's NFL coverage, she is near the top of the list when it comes to reach and imprint. What a stellar run. https://t.co/tOxCZkTgnT
— Austin Maida (@Maida904) June 30, 2023
As a sports nerd, I've basically spent my entire life seeing Suzy Kolber on TV from Fox to ESPN. Hopefully it's not the end, but salute to a legend in sports media. https://t.co/7DLmgPJZiF
— Eric Henry (@EricCHenry_) June 30, 2023
Disappointed to see the news that Suzy Kolber has been laid off by ESPN. An incredible run at the network covering the sport she loves and inspiring many of us along the way. Thanks to @EdTaitWFC for first sharing this feature with me many months ago! https://t.co/VJmlgx1VV6
— Sara Orlesky (@saraorlesky) June 30, 2023
Suzy Kolber a first ballot pro.
— Chris Williamson (@CWilliamson44) June 30, 2023
Great broadcaster. Great person.
Suzy’s gonna be great at whatever’s next. https://t.co/Nin2FaVHLP
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) June 30, 2023
It’s been inspiring to watch Suzy on ESPN for so many years. Great career. Wishing her luck on her next adventure. https://t.co/UcIF84tddW
— Kylie Winfrey (@thekyliewinfrey) June 30, 2023
When I worked on Monday Night Football in 2016, I was lucky to see Suzy weekly.
I was nothing more than a production assistant, but Suzy treated me — and everyone — like they mattered. She cared about the craft, but also cared about people.
Congrats on an epic run, Suzy! https://t.co/kMJCH24nnm
— Cole Thompson (@MrColeThompson) June 30, 2023
One of the kindest women I’ve met in the business… even happier that I pulled her aside after halftime at a Steelers game to tell her how much of an inspiration she was to so many young women. This just doesn’t sit right. https://t.co/h0lCq04rgf
— Caitlyn Louise (@CaitlynCossu) June 30, 2023
