Keyshawn Johnson, former USC standout, let go by ESPN after 16 years
Keyshawn Johnson has been laid off by ESPN after 16 years with the network. The USC legend is part of the network’s recent round of layoffs.
Andrew Marchand of the New York Post reported Friday morning that ESPN is laying off 20 on-air personalities. Johnson made his ESPN debut in 2007 as part of the network’s NFL Draft coverage while still a member of the Carolina Panthers.
Johnson, who played professional football for 11 seasons, was an NFL analyst for ESPN. He most recently contributed to the weekly studio show “NFL Live.” His previous roles at ESPN included appearances on “Sunday NFL Countdown” and “Monday Night Countdown” shows from 2007-15.
Johnson was also an ESPN Radio host. From 2016-20 Johnson was the host of the daily morning show on ESPNLA 710 AM, ESPN’s owned station in Los Angeles. More recently he hosted ESPN Radio’s weekday morning show, “Keyshawn, JWill & Max” with Jay Williams and Max Kellerman, who has also been let go.
In addition to his hosting and studio roles, Johnson also frequently guested on discussion shows such as “Get Up” and “First Take.” In 2015, Johnson co-executive produced the ESPN “30 for 30” documentary “Trojan War” about the rise and fall of the USC football program.
ESPN PR released a statement on the layoffs Friday:
“Given the current environment, ESPN has determined it necessary to identify some additional cost savings in the area of public-facing commentator salaries, and that process has begun. This exercise will include a small group of job cuts in the short-term and an ongoing focus on managing costs when we negotiate individual contract renewals in the months ahead. This is an extremely challenging process, involving individuals who have had tremendous impact on our company. These difficult decisions, based more on overall efficiency than merit, will help us meet our financial targets and ensure future growth.”
We’ll see what’s next for Johnson.
NEWS: ESPN has let go Max Kellerman and Keyshawn Johnson, The Post has learned.https://t.co/VkxbmHlrU6
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) June 30, 2023