As if goodbyes weren’t already hard enough, an awkward on-air transition made things that much more difficult for Rob Ninkovich as the former NFL player and ESPN analyst bid farewell to the network on Friday.
Ninkovich, an ESPN analyst since 2019, began his day with an appearance on Get Up, where he looked to share a few parting words to host Mike Greenberg as the show ended. However, what began as a heartfelt message soon turned into something completely different when ESPN cut to First Take in the middle of the ex-linebacker’s sentence.
“Thank you so much,” Ninkovich told Greenberg. “Had a great time the last few years, built a lot of great relationships. Greeny, you’re the best in the business. I mean, listen, I’ve learned from some of the best in football and in media, and it’s not a coincidence, it’s hard work, but it’s also talent, and you’re the epitome of pure talent. So, have a great one. And…[show cuts to First Take].”
Oh no. You have to see Rob Ninkovich's goodbye message to ESPN to believe what happened. pic.twitter.com/AsCyjefA5S
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 28, 2023
As the poorly-timed moment went viral, Ninkovich would later have another opportunity to deliver a message on NFL Live. Except, this time, he decided to close this appearance with a much more subdued wave and smile at the camera.
Poor Ninko.
That was Ninkovich's farewell on Get Up. He did get out an uninterrupted one (which was a much shorter "See you") on NFL Live later in the day. pic.twitter.com/usB6GKCOMc
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 28, 2023
An 11-year NFL veteran and two-time Super Bowl champion, Ninkovich transitioned into media following his retirement in 2017. In June, it was announced his contract would not be renewed as a part of ESPN’s ongoing layoffs.
