Fired ESPN Star Lands New Job Two Years Later

Thaddaeus McAdams/Getty Images

Fired ESPN Star Lands New Job Two Years Later

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Holleran | Last updated Sep 28, 2026 7:25 PM ET

Sam Ponder is getting back into media.

The former ESPN host, who was fired by the network at the start of the 2024 football season, along with former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III, is getting back to work in the media world this fall.

FOX News Media announced on Monday, September 28 that Ponder will be appearing on the debut episode of a new podcast, “the Girls,” a new “personality-driven conversation series featuring an array of leading female voices.”

Ponder, 40, has been getting more into the political world as of late, especially on social media.

“Each episode of FOX News’ the Girls will include a rotating cast of co-hosts week to week, moving beyond the traditional news roundtable for a free-flowing conversation that can go anywhere — politics and pop culture; money and marriage; parenting, relationships, careers, or the group chat-worthy story of the day. Nothing is off the table. Showcasing multiple distinct perspectives, the conversation will revolve naturally around the issues impacting real life with undeniable chemistry, refreshing candor and no script. The first episode will feature FOX News Media stars Rachel Campos-Duffy, Harris Faulkner and Kat Timpf, newly named FOX News contributor Melissa DeRosa and former ESPN host Samantha Ponder,” FOX announced.

BRISTOL, TN – SEPTEMBER 10: ESPN’s Samantha Ponder interviews head coach Justin Fuente of the Virginia Tech Hokies during College Gameday prior to the game between the Virginia Tech Hokies and the Tennessee Volunteers at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 10, 2016 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)Michael Shroyer/Getty Images

Ponder, who started at ESPN as a college football reporter before rising up to host “Sunday NFL Countdown,” was let by the Worldwide Leader in Sports due to budget cuts prior to the 2024 football season.

She’s made some media appearances and posted on social media, but it sounds like this could be her first regular gig since leaving ESPN.

“the Girls is a natural addition to our growing podcast portfolio, and we’re thrilled to continue expanding our slate of distinctive shows that complement our existing lineup while creating new opportunities for our audience to engage with our content,” New Media President Porter Berry said.

Megan Albano, Executive Vice President of Morning Programming & Program Development, added: “We’re excited to deliver a no-holds-barred format that captures the authenticity and perspectives of the many dynamic women of FOX News Media and beyond.”

Ponder will be joined on the show by Rachel Campos-Duffy, a mother of nine and a co-host of “FOX & Friends Weekend,” along with journalist Harris Faulkner, media personality Kat Timpf, and veteran political strategist Melissa DeRosa.

The new show will debut on October 1.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: