NFL Network Faces Additional Layoffs with Star Departure

Rachel Bonnetta’s departure from NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” comes after she declined to relocate from Los Angeles to New York, leading the network to offer her a one-year buyout. At 31, Bonnetta’s exit follows the news that Jim Trotter, known for his critical stance on Commissioner Roger Goodell, had his contract with NFL Network not renewed.

The network is bracing for additional layoffs despite broader industry cutbacks. ESPN has signaled that its forthcoming reductions will impact everyone from top on-air personalities to senior executives, as reported by Andrew Marchand of the New York Post. These cuts are expected to be finalized within the next four to six weeks.

Disney CEO Bob Iger announced last month that approximately 7,000 positions across the company will be eliminated. Bonnetta was a leading candidate to join “Good Morning Football” after Kay Adams’ departure, but Jamie Erdahl eventually took her place when Bonnetta declined to move.

Trotter has suggested that his termination was partly due to his outspoken criticism of the NFL’s diversity practices. In a statement to Michael Holley via Pro Football Talk, Trotter emphasized the importance of journalism and holding those in power accountable, citing a lack of Black representation in senior management within NFL Media’s newsroom.

Despite the NFL securing long-term TV deals with ESPN, Fox, NBC, CBS, and Amazon Prime Video valued at approximately $110 billion, these financial agreements are not expected to shield employees from layoffs.