Several NFL Network personalities spoke out Thursday as they digested the news of colleagues Melissa Stark, Andrew Siciliano, James Palmer and Will Selva being cut as part of cost-effective maneuvers.
Reporter Jane Slater shared several messages on social media, stating how Stark’s departure “hurts on a different level.”
“I went to college and looked at the tv and said I want to be her. The ultimate treat professionally was not only landing on the same roster as her but working with her on NFL 360. You are kind, smart, determined and have become a true friend. Love that we still get your talents on NBC,” Slater wrote Thursday on X.
Stark, who worked as a host and report with NFL Network since 2011, is entering her third season as the sideline reporter on NBC’s “Sunday Night Football.”
She addressed her exit Thursday on X.
“Great 12 year run at@nflnetwork – will miss working with so many incredible people. I’ll see you on Sunday Nights this fall @NBCSports,” Stark posted in response to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand, who first reported the news of the cuts.
In a separate post, Slater praised Palmer as a “brother” and “friend,” stating in part, “The most versatile reporter we have who was incredibly well liked and respected within our walls but around the league.”
“Whoever gets you next is lucky,” she continued.
Palmer served as a national correspondent for the league-owned network and called the opportunity his “dream job.”
“Some personal news. NFL Network has bought out my contract and my time there has come to an end. It was a dream job and I loved every minute of it. And that’s mostly because of the people that I got to work with and the friendships that will last well beyond any ‘job,'” Palmer posted on X.
“I’m excited for what’s to come. Not sure what that is exactly, I’ve learned a lot in the last decade at NFL Network and I’m better for it.”
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport told Palmer, “You are the best, buddy,” while Steve Wyche, the network’s chief national reporter, heaped praise on his “incredible colleague” and “forever friend.”
“This sucks. In my 15 years at NFL Network, I have worked with few people who are as talented, hardworking and special as @JamesPalmerTV. Great teammate. Incredible colleague. Forever friend. JP checks every box,” he wrote on X.
Wyche also lauded Siciliano, who hosted several NFL Network shows, as a “pro’s pro.
“Personally, I have learned so much sitting next to him at our cubicles and on the news desk. Such a great dude and damn, this guy’s poise and skill on air was,” Wyche wrote. “Gutted by this.”
Elsewhere on X, Slater said she’s “never worked with a better anchor than” Siciliano, whom she dubbed a “true reporter’s friend.”
Selva, an anchor who also appeared on “Good Morning Football,” expressed gratitude to colleagues and viewers “for an amazing 11 years” in his farewell post on Thursday.
“I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the memories & will miss these days tremendously. Good things to come,” he wrote, to which NFL Network personality Patrick Claybon replied, “I’m a better journalist, father and person having shared space with you. Thank you for you man.”
Peter Schrager, who appeared on “Good Morning Football” with Selva, expressed on X: “I’ve spoken with Will. He knows what he means to me, the GMFB show, and our families. What can you say other than ‘Thank you’ for an incredible run. Love Will, and love the way he approached every day on our program.”
NFL Network let go of about five percent of its staffers last year, The Athletic previously reported, while The Post noted in January how the league “has been trying to unload its network for years now.”