Longtime ESPN staple Bob Ley is retiring after a 40-year career at the company, announcing his plans to depart at the end of the month. He has served as ESPN’s longest-tenured anchor. “To be clear, this is entirely my decision. I enjoy the best of health, and the many blessings of friends and family, and it is in that context that I’m making this change,” he said in a statement.
“Through the decades, and my innumerable experiences at ESPN, I have built many deep and fulfilling friendships. You know who you are. I hope you also know how much you mean to me. We have shared an American story unlike any other. And we will continue to do so in the years ahead,” Ley said.
“The standard of excellence that has become a hallmark of ESPN began in the early days when we were a start-up with a bold vision,” said ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro. “Bob was there for all of it and, over the years, his unwavering commitment and unparalleled work ethic drove our journalistic ambitions. The best way we can thank Bob for what he’s meant to ESPN and to sports fans is to continue to uphold the journalistic integrity and principles he’s instilled in ESPN for nearly 40 years.”
