Sam Ponder Responds After ESPN Firing
Sam Ponder recently opened up about her unexpected firing from ESPN in August 2024. The ex-host of “Sunday NFL Countdown” was let go during significant layoffs aimed at reducing costs and shared her thoughts in a fan Q&A session on Instagram. She mentioned that she’s still in touch with her former “College Gameday” colleagues, Kirk Herbstreit, Ray Davis, and David Pollack.
Ponder, 39, humorously referred to Pollack as “stuck with me like a brother I never wanted,” and noted that she was able to text Herbstreit just before her dismissal, adding a laugh emoji to lighten the mood.
“Ray Davis has always been my absolute favorite,” she shared. “I can’t forget how they all genuinely loved people and embraced their faith. I’ll be a fan of the ‘college stage’ as long as it focuses on the people involved. It’s just such a special show.”
Herbstreit later shared her message on his own Instagram Story. Ponder’s journey with ESPN began in 2011, primarily in college football. There, she worked on “College Gameday” from 2012 to 2016 and served as a sideline reporter in 2016.
In 2017, she stepped up to host “Sunday NFL Countdown,” a program that airs every Sunday morning before kickoff at 1 PM. Mike Greenberg, current host of “NBA Countdown” and “Get Up,” has since taken over her role on Sundays.
Ponder, who is married to former Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder, hasn’t officially stated her next career move yet. She’s not the only notable figure to leave ESPN ahead of the 2024 football season; former Heisman winner Robert Griffin III was also let go, reportedly before completing his contract. He had, however, secured a position at Fox Sports in April.
Last summer, Ponder drew attention on social media when she publicly supported controversial female boxer Iman Kelif after her Olympic gold win. She expressed her pride for Kelif, saying, “It’s something we’re supposed to say!! I’m proud of this woman.” She had also previously backed Donald Trump following an incident at a rally in Pennsylvania.
Despite the rumors surrounding her departure, reports suggest that Ponder’s removal wasn’t tied to her political views but was instead part of ESPN’s broader cost-cutting strategy.
