The best wide receiver in the history of football and the “World Wide Leader in Sports” will no longer be doing business together. Jerry Rice will no longer be seen on ESPN as an NFL analyst after just two years in the media.
Matt Yoder of AwfulAnnouncing.com was the first to report the news. According to an ESPN spokesperson, the decision to part ways was mutual between parties.
Rice retired in 2004 and enjoyed seven years away from the spotlight before joining ESPN in August 2011. According to Rice himself, the reason that he joined the network was his need to be a part of a competitive team once again. During his two years, he provided analysis both in the Bay Area and in Bristol, Connecticut, where ESPN calls home.
ESPN plans to bring on Mark Brunnell and Jerome Bettis as analysts for the upcoming season, but no news has been reported on what Rice will do next.
Given his track record, if he ever wanted to get back into the media, most major networks such as the NFL Network, Fox Sports Network, CBS, ABC, or NBC would likely be thrilled to employ the Hall of Famer.
While it may seem far-fetched, Rice’s absence from the media may be permanent, but either way, the choice is his.