LOOK: Todd Blackledge pens farewell message to ESPN on Thursday afternoon
ESPN’s college football team suffered a major loss on Thursday, when it was announced that former Penn State quarterback Todd Blackledge would be moving on from ESPN and joining NBC Sports, where he’ll be working with their Big Ten Saturday Night team. Blackledge will be joining the likes of Noah Eagle and Kathryn Tappen, NBC Sports announced in a press release on Thursday. Thursday afternoon, Blackledge tweeted a brief farewell message to his friends and colleagues at ESPN.
“Lots of great memories that I will never forget. Many wonderful friends that will always be in my heart. Nobody did football better than the K Crew!” Blackledge tweeted. He posted the message above the official press release from ESPN. The release said goodbye to the man who has been a staple in their college football coverage since 2006, when he started working with Mike Patrick.
The statement from ESPN reads: “Todd Blackledge has been one of our leading and trusted college football voices, calling more than 200 games on ESPN platforms, including every year of the College Football Playoff. He is a respected analyst for his meticulous preparation and cerebral approach, while his relatable personality and love of food have made him a favorite among colleagues and fans. We thank Todd for everything he has contributed to ESPN and wish him continued success,” Lee Fitting, ESPN Senior VP of Production wrote.
Blackledge is the most notable name of the new team with NBC Sports, a former Penn State quarterback turned broadcaster who’s been a staple at ESPN over recent seasons. Additionally, Eagle is the son of broadcasting great Ian Eagle, and has been working NFL games in addition to his work with the Los Angeles Clippers over recent seasons, while Notre Dame fans will know Tappen from her work on the sidelines in South Bend over her career.
NBC Sports shares the excitement of working with Blackledge
Continuing, NBC Sports Executive Producer Sam Flood relayed the excitement of the network, pointing out how elated NBC Sports is to be rocking with the Big Ten.
“We are excited to showcase Big Ten Saturday Night on the NBC Sports’ primetime marquee,” said Flood, per the release. “When you hear Todd’s voice, you know it’s a big college football game. It has been that way for decades. Noah is one of the industry’s rising young play-by-play commentators, who has excelled calling numerous sports across multiple platforms for a wide range of audiences. We are thrilled to pair him in the booth with Todd. Kathryn has told the stories of so many memorable Notre Dame Football moments over the last decade in her on-field reporting and interviews.
“With their collective college football experience and great enthusiasm for the game, Todd, Noah and Kathryn join a production team that can’t wait to kick off the Big Ten season.”
New and exciting times for NBC Sports and the Big Ten. Football season can’t come soon enough.
On3’s Steve Samra also contributed to this article.