ESPN’s merger with NFL Network has led to its first major layoffs in nearly three years, with several familiar faces and staff members let go. Big names like former NFL MVP Cam Newton and veteran analyst Ryan Clark are among those affected. The news drew sharp criticism from Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, who took to X to vent his disbelief and frustration.

“This is 1 of many reasons I love this brother to Life!” Sanders wrote on X while replying to Ryan Clark’s post on the platform. “This was arguably the best talent on the ESPN roster! How can You Know WHO still be there and @Realrclark25 AINT! Wow & please tell me the rumors of @CameronNewton ain’t true, and this dude is STILL there.”

Sanders’ post captured both his admiration for Clark and his irritation at ESPN’s decision. His reference to “you know who” was widely interpreted as a jab at Rex Ryan, a frequent critic of Sanders’ son Shedeur. That trolling element explains why Sanders’ reaction was more than simple disappointment. It was a mix of disbelief and frustration.

As per The Athletic, Clark was expected to be officially let go on Tuesday, but his absence from Monday’s episode of NFL Live gave it away early. Clark, who joined ESPN back in 2015 and reportedly earned over $2 million a year, is one of several names impacted as roles began to overlap after the NFL Network deal.

Along with Clark, ESPN also moved on from names like MLB commentator Karl Ravech, NFL analyst Charles Davis, and studio host Bart Scott, along with several others. ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro explained in a memo that the layoffs followed a review of teams and resources after the NFL Network integration.

“Over the past several months, we’ve made significant progress integrating the NFL assets that we acquired into ESPN. Throughout this process, we have taken the time to carefully evaluate our collective teams, resources and organizational structure to best position us for the future. As a result, we had to make some difficult decisions about job impacts that we will be communicating today,” Pitaro wrote, as per The Independent.

Ryan Clark’s Response to Layoffs

Ryan Clark appeared to take the news positively, and Sanders responded by quoting his post on X.

“Sending prayers and love to all those laid off today by ESPN. So many of you have poured your life into that company, & I know how you’re feeling right now,” Clark wrote on X. “My hope is as this door closes another opens for you all. God bless!”

His Instagram comments were hardly different, as he shared a video of himself working out in the morning before he got the news of his dismissal later in the day.

“Proof of Life…Before the madness of yesterday, I woke up, got in my Tundra, drove to Planet Fitness, and got to work,” Clark wrote.

“The rest of the day was eventful, but the journey continues. My peace is with God, and my humility comes from within. I’ll continue to build myself so the world can never strip me of what’s real. Get moving today, y’all!”

ESPN has not officially spoken about individual exits, but reports suggest the layoffs are linked to a wider restructuring at Disney. NFL insider Tom Pelissero is also believed to be part of the layoffs.

These layoffs reflect how sports media is changing, with networks merging operations and cutting down on overlapping roles. For Sanders, though, this clearly hits differently, as two voices he respected are gone while some of his critics remain.