In a surprising turn of events, ESPN has made the decision to part ways with former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III and sports commentator Sam Ponder, according to reports by The Athletic's Andrew Marchand. This unexpected move comes as ESPN makes a series of personnel changes, leaving fans and colleagues alike stunned.

Griffin, who had been with ESPN for three years, was not only contributing as a color commentator but also played a significant role in the network's college football coverage. However, the talented quarterback's tenure at ESPN has come to an abrupt end, as the network has chosen to let him go with two years remaining on his contract.

Despite his successful college career at Baylor, where Griffin clinched the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 2011, his professional journey faced setbacks. Selected as the second overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, Griffin initially showed great promise, leading Washington to first place in the NFC East and earning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Unfortunately, a devastating torn ACL injury during a wild-card playoff game against the Seahawks halted his trajectory, and he struggled to regain his previous form.

After his time in Washington, Griffin's NFL journey saw him serving as a backup for the Browns and the Ravens, with his final NFL season taking place in 2020. Amidst speculation about his future, one potential landing spot for Griffin could be NFL Network's "GameDay Morning" studio show, as the program is in need of a replacement for former NFL star Michael Irvin.

The departure of Sam Ponder, who had been a prominent figure at ESPN since 2011, is another surprising blow to the network. Ponder has been hosting "Sunday NFL Countdown" since 2017, bringing her unique insights to fans around the country. Her departure leaves a void, and ESPN will need to find a suitable replacement for this vital role.

Ponder has also been known for her outspoken stance on social media, particularly when it comes to transgender athletes participating in women's sports. Her departure from ESPN has sparked speculation among sports enthusiasts about the impact of her views on her tenure at the network.

While the reasons behind these personnel changes have been labeled as budgetary decisions, it is worth noting that both Griffin and Ponder still had contract terms remaining. ESPN's move to let them go allows the network to write off the expenses now, ahead of the fiscal year's conclusion at the end of September.

As the dust settles on these surprising developments, fans and colleagues alike are left wondering what lies ahead for Robert Griffin III and Sam Ponder. Only time will tell where their talents and expertise will find a new home in the world of sports media.