Amid the dramatic slew of on-air talent layoffs on Friday, tributes from all over the sports media world poured in to support Suzy Kolber.
Kolber, who was laid off Friday after 27 years with the company, announced the news on Twitter.
“Today I join the many hard-working colleagues who have been laid off. Heartbreaking-but 27 years at ESPN was a good run,” Kolber tweeted.
“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.”
Kolber, whose most recent roles included hosting ESPN’s “Monday Night Countdown” and NFL Draft coverage, joined a wide swath of popular ESPN personalities who the network cut ties with, including Jeff Van Gundy, Max Kellerman, and Jalen Rose.
Reactions from sports media personalities were immediate.
“Suzy Kolber is a pioneer and a legend,” ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter tweeted. “She, like others laid off today, always will be remembered and missed.”
“For everyone who covers pro football, @SuzyKolber has been a beacon, a standard of excellence year after year,” NBC football writer Peter King tweeted.
“Kudos, Suzy, for a job exceedingly and consistently well done.”
Everything to know about ESPN Layoffs
On Friday, ESPN began the latest round of its layoffs, with several big names among the expect 20 on-air personalities being let go.
Network stalwarts Jeff Van Gundy, Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson, Suzy Kolber, Matt Hasselbeck, Steve Young and Todd McShay were some of the biggest names let go of by ESPN.
It marked the third round of layoffs by the “Worldwide Leader,” with the previous two focusing on behind-the-scenes workers.
The massive layoffs come as part of mandates from parent company Disney, which announced earlier this year that around 7,000 jobs would be eliminated.
READ MORE
Bestselling author of “Showtime” and “Three-Ring Circus” Jeff Pearlman tweeted that Kolber is an “all-time, all-time pro.”
“This stinks,” he wrote.
Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III, who is an ESPN contributor, also sent well wishes to Kolber.
“What a legend Suzy Kolber is,” he tweeted.
“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 Countdown with open arms and God bless you in the next step in your journey.”
About 20 on-air talents will be released from ESPN as Disney has mandated widespread cost-cutting, The Post’s Andrew Marchand reported.
