Tuesday, September 15, 2026

ESPN Expected to Lay Off NFL Insider Tom Pelissero

Pelissero has been a longtime insider at NFL Network, which ESPN acquired earlier this year.

Feb 4, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Tom Pelissero on the NFL Network set at the Super Bowl LX media center at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero is expected to be laid off by ESPN on Tuesday, sources told Front Office Sports

An ESPN spokesperson declined to comment.

Pelissero joined NFL Network in 2017 after previously covering the league for USA Today. There should be a robust market for him, as ESPN has mostly cornered the market on insiders and there are a number of places that could have a need.

Jonathan Jones left CBS Sports to become an NFL reporter at The Athletic but not in a direct insider role. The Athletic’s league insider, Dianna Russini, resigned after she was photographed at a swanky hotel in Arizona with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel earlier this year. Amazon Prime Video lost Ian Rapoport, who was its insider on Thursday Night Football last season, as Rapoport signed a new deal with ESPN. Netflix has also utilized the insider role in the past with Rapoport in its 2024 Christmas doubleheader. 

On Tuesday morning, ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro addressed the company in a memo that can be read here, along with a full list of talent known to have been affected by the layoffs.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for the
Tuned In Newsletter

Get the latest sports media scoops & insights straight to your inbox once a week.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jason Robins Front Office Sports

DraftKings CEO Fires Back at Headline Calling Company ‘Struggling’

“We’re doing great,” Jason Robins said in response to the article.

Ndamukong Suh Blasts Rams’ ‘Asinine’ Australia Travel Plan

The Rams traveled to a game in Melbourne just a day before kickoff.
First at FOS

WNBA Union Rips NBA for Exclusion From Betting Letter

Five men’s sports leagues sent a memo to regulators about betting-related harassment.

Novig CEO Says Sydney Sweeney Drove Visuals of Nude Ad

“We never intended to portray female sports,” Jacob Fortinsky told FOS.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

9/15/26 – NFL Kickoff Ratings Dip, Ballmer Accepts Punishment, Sweeney Ad Backlash

0:00

Featured Today

Oct 4, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; General action during the first period of the game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mullett Arena

How Military-Style Workouts in College Sports Get Dangerous

For elite athletes, high-intensity training can be “very appealing.”
September 6, 2026

Is Carolyn Tisch Blodgett the Future Face of Giants Ownership?

Amid changes at top of Giants ownership, eyes are on Tisch Blodgett.
September 4, 2026

Wild Transfer Window Shows How Premier League Towers Over Soccer

Spending in England vastly outstripped the rest of Europe.
September 3, 2026

Teams Are Spending Millions to Build Luxury Locker Rooms

It’s a recruiting pitch, a retention tool, and a seven-figure line item.
September 1, 2026

High School Football Sidelines Are Clogged With Content Creators

Administrators call these amateur newcomers the “pajama paparazzi.”

Stephen A. Smith: McAfee Has a ‘Different Set of Rules’ at ESPN

Smith signed a nine-figure contract with ESPN last year.
Oct 1, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Former Houston Texans JJ Watt speaks to the fans during his Ring Of Honor Ceremony at halftime during the game between the Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Opinion
September 14, 2026

J.J. Watt Wasn’t Better Than Tony Romo—but He Was Good Enough

Watt will remain with CBS’s top team for at least two more weeks.
Sep 11, 2026; Melbourne, AUS; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans (5) makes a touchdown catch over Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jaylen Watson (35) in the second half at Melbourne Cricket Ground. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
September 14, 2026

Netflix’s Australia Game Ties YouTube’s NFL Numbers From Brazil

The subscription streaming service posted an increase in global viewership.
Sponsored

Drew Weatherford’s Bet on the Youth Sports Economy

Drew Weatherford discusses investing across the youth, college and professional levels.
Aug 8, 2026; Canton, OH, USA; Chris Berman moderates the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Exclusive
September 14, 2026

How ESPN Will Use Chris Berman in Its Super Bowl Coverage

Berman has covered 44 straight Super Bowls and watched all 60.
Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) speaks during a committee event with the Artemis II crew members on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 12, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
September 12, 2026

ESPN Faces Criticism for Giving Ted Cruz ‘GameDay’ Air Time

No opponents of the Protect College Sports Act have been interviewed on “GameDay.”
September 12, 2026

Revamped McAfee Kicking Contest Pays First Winner $1.2M

The contest has entered its fourth season on College GameDay.
The Herd
Exclusive
September 12, 2026

Colin Cowherd Buys Stake in EPL’s Ipswich

Other Ipswich investors include Marques Colston and Ed Sheeran.