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End of an era: Bob Ley announces retirement from ESPN

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

One of the longest-tenured and best television hosts at ESPN has announced that he will be retiring from the company.

Wednesday morning, Outside the Lines host and longtime television personality Bob Ley announced that he will be retiring from ESPN at the month. He posted a lengthy message about his decision to his Twitter account.

Ley is stepping down after 40 years at ESPN, joining the company during the first week of its existence in 1979.

“Across 40 years I have enjoyed a professional journey unimaginable when I joined ESPN on its first weekend of existence in 1979,” Ley wrote. “Each day since has been a unique adventure, one I embraced for the challenge and unequaled fun of a job like no other.

“Now, it’s time for change.

“I will be retiring from ESPN, as of the end of the month.”

Ley has been a fixture with the company since it started, and is most notably recognized for his work on Outside the Lines and SportsCenter, but has worked on several projects throughout his career. He was the host of the very first NCAA Tournament Selection Show in 1980 and has been a key member of ESPN’s soccer coverage over the year.

In 2018, Ley earned a Sports Emmy for Outstanding Studio Host.

Below is the full message from Ley on his decision to retire from ESPN.

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB