
USA Today via Reuters
Syndication: USA TODAY Former NFL star and ESPN host Keyshawn Johnson was an honoree at the 2022 Dick Vitale Gala in Sarasota, Fla. , EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xThomasxBenderx 20930026

USA Today via Reuters
Syndication: USA TODAY Former NFL star and ESPN host Keyshawn Johnson was an honoree at the 2022 Dick Vitale Gala in Sarasota, Fla. , EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xThomasxBenderx 20930026
Is Keyshawn Johnson roaming the realm of free agency? There are only a few athletes in the NFL who transitioned into another successful career, post-retirement. Following his departure from the league, the former wide receiver joined three others to be part of the NFL Draft coverage on ESPN. In later years, he had nothing short of a roller coaster of a relationship with the media giant, moving from show to show, and even briefly being let go in 2016.
History repeated itself once more when the former Super Bowl champ was fired from the media giant only a few months ago, despite having a multi-year deal present with the company. Amidst free agency from broadcasting jobs, the WR is looking elsewhere, potentially looking for a career.
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Keyshawn Johnson hinted at a new career right after his departure
Although the former WR’s sudden departure was a shock to everyone, there was a silver lining in terms of his contract. The Pro Bowler had signed a 5-year deal worth $18 million, and the entire sum was guaranteed. As a result, it was Disney, the parent company of the media giant, who had to take the financial hit, writing off the substantial amount as a loss just 9 months after the contract signing.
Former NFL player & sports broadcaster Keyshawn Johnson signed a 5 yr $18 million contract with ESPN in 2022 & 9 months later they fired him. Per the contract they owe him every penny and it’s parent company Disney will have to write off the $18M as a loss. pic.twitter.com/hEEgxv6QUo
— Black Millionaires ® (@Blackmillions_) July 28, 2023
With the departure news, Keyshawn didn’t seem all that bothered. He promptly took to both Twitter and Instagram to post a smiling picture of himself beside the beach. Wearing a white tee, shorts, and sunglasses, the former WR playfully captioned the photo, “My next job might be an influencer,” with two crying-laughing emojis.
He also expressed gratitude for the support he received while wishing everyone a happy Independence Day. Considering his captivating picture already garnered attention from the likes of Jay Williams and Marcellus Wiley, Keyshawn’s venture into an influencer role might prove fruitful.
ESPN’s massive layoff spree has caused an upheaval in the media world, with analysts and hosts swiftly moving from one place to another in a matter of days.
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The aftermath of the unwarranted layoffs
Keyshawn was not the only one affected, as several beloved hosts faced a similar fate. The media giant slashed 20 on-camera positions, including well-known figures like Max Kellerman and Jay Williams, who were co-hosts with the former WR. Even the seasoned commentator, Jeff Van Gundy, was not spared from the exodus. This move was a part of Disney’s cost-cutting efforts, as announced some time ago.
Despite a fair profit in the market, Disney still announced to either not fill the vacant positions or let go of some of their staff to manage their budget effectively. As a result, the spots left by these media personalities were either taken up by internal candidates or the shows they were a part of were altogether canceled.

via Imago
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 17: Keyshawn Johnson attends the 2022 ABC Disney Upfront at Basketball City – Pier 36 – South Street on May 17, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/WireImage)
However, many of these personalities are now pursuing their own ventures or embracing a quieter retirement life. With this major upheaval not only in ESPN but across the entire media industry, there might be new hires in the near future, possibly even including figures like Keyshawn.
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