ESPN announced in February it would be involved in parent Disney's laying off some 7,000 employees. It's the second such layoff for the network since 2017. But that doesn't mean everyone is out. And it won't stop ESPN from investing heavily in those it thinks are important.
In that light, ESPN re-signed NFL analyst and former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marcus Spears to a four-year, multi-million dollar deal, per the New York Post.
He’s developed a rapport among NFL fans as a strong, quality analyst. So the fact that the network prioritized him shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise.
Spears, 40, has been featured on NFL Live, First Take, Get Up, as well as his podcast with Kendrick Perkins. The higher-ups at the network think he's vital for their future, and he's expected to have a larger on-air role with his next contract.
Spears began his career with ESPN in August of 2014 when he joined the SEC Network.
He would go on to appear on SEC Nation and The Paul Finebaum Show in his early run. Spears was a hit initially and quickly rose up the ranks at the network.
The former LSU standout and national champion is expected to feature on even more shows as more cuts are made across the network.
Spears played for nine seasons in the NFL. In his eight years in Dallas, he recorded 226 tackles, 10 for loss, 23 quarterback hits, 13 passes defended, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.
Spears finished his career with the Ravens in 2013, playing in five games for Baltimore, with 10 tackles, five solo, and two for loss.
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