It’s the official end of an era.
On Wednesday, Bob Ley, an institution at the network, took to Twitter and officially announced his retirement from the Worldwide Leader In Sports.
“Across 40 years I have enjoyed a professional journey unimaginable when I joined ESPN in 1979. Each day since has been a unique adventure, one I embraced for the challenge and unequaled fun of a job like no other,” Ley tweeted. “Now, it is time for a change. I will be retiring from ESPN, as of the end of the month. 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.”
“To (ESPN president) Jimmy Pitaro and his senior leadership team, my sincere personal thanks for their understanding and patience over the past months,” Ley wrote. “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.
“I have been gifted by our our viewers and consumers with a precious commodity — your trust. To be invited into your homes was a privilege I never took for granted, one I worked each day to uphold. Thank you for that. In September, I signed off my last show saying, “I’ll catch you on the flip side.’ Now it’s time to take that vinyl off the turntable (ask your folks), flip it over, and drop the needle on the B-side. There are always great cuts, and hidden gems on the B-side.
“Thank you for a great run.”
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ESPN would soon send out a heartfelt message to Ley.
Last fall, Ley ended up giving his final on-air sign-off:
