Twitter Reactions: Sporting world reacts to Oregon legend Neil Everett leaving ESPN
If you think about the most famous and prominent figures in today’s sporting world, it’s hard not to have Neil Everett on the list.
Because of Everett, it was not uncommon to hear a “Quack quack!” on ESPN’s Sportscenter in primetime on the west coast. As a notable alumnus of the University of Oregon and a beloved member of the journalism community, it was easy to look up to Everett and admire his lighthearted and joyous attitude as he did the work that so many kids dream of doing when they grow up.
It was announced on Thursday that Everett is no longer going to be employed at the Worldwide Leader of Sports, instead having his contract expire during Disney’s on-air talent cuts. In other words, ESPN is letting him become a free agent after 23 years at the company.
As one of the most popular Sportscenter hosts that ESPN has ever had, the news the Everett was leaving the company made some waves across the sporting world. Some of the most prominent figures in the industry took to social media to express their sorrow and gratitude. Here are some of the most notable reactions.
NEWS: SportsCenter anchor Neil Everett is leaving ESPN.
The 23-year network veteran is the latest to see his deal expire during Disney’s on-air talent cuts, a source told FOS.
"ESPN changed my life, but now it's time for me to change my life.”
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) June 8, 2023
I love Neil Everett.
There’s a ton more that could be said. None of it matters more than that. He’s just pure.
Mahalo, always.
— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) June 9, 2023
I started at espn in 2000, a few months after Neil Everett. We joined up for sportscenter from LA in 2009. For 14 years, he was the best teammate I could imagine. Selfless, caring, generous, and a pro’s pro. He’s moving on now, but we are brothers for life. That’ll never change.
— stan verrett (@stanverrett) June 8, 2023
One of my favorite SportsCenter commercials ever, Neil Everett and Roger Federer.
'I'm in the top 10, Roger' pic.twitter.com/sGZbU1sed8
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 8, 2023
Neil Everett doesn’t believe in Twitter. Leave positive comments here and I will share with him. Or, I will just give you his number.
Great teammate, great friend, many laughing fits with him. Loves animals, WA and Hawaii. And Oregon.OregonBrokeMyLeg#
Howzit#— Kenny Mayne (@Kenny_Mayne) June 8, 2023
Mahalo to Neil Everett, the best I ever co-anchored with. And an even better person.
*3 months into my gig at ESPN, invited me to his home for Thanksgiving
*For a few years, we both refused to say “Thunder” on TV #Sonics
*bonded over music, WA & much more.#SimplyTheBest pic.twitter.com/QG1ae9AE7v— SteveBunin (@SteveBunin) June 9, 2023
Neil Everett and @stanverrett on SportsCenter in the 2010’s pic.twitter.com/rFzbQ8q4HL
— Tanner Haworth (@TannerHaworth) June 9, 2023
Neil Everett.
Nicest guy.
Old school SportsCenter cool.
Crazy funny.
Great writer.
Loves sprint car racing.
23 years of all that? Blessed to have called him a teammate. Even more to call him a friend. pic.twitter.com/vH6GntFJyX— Ryan McGee (@ESPNMcGee) June 9, 2023
Layoffs are everywhere in media and one day it's going to come for me too. In EVERY conversation I've had about Neil Everett with ESPN-ers, they called him kind, compassionate, a thoughtful man who made their place better. Discard people like that, you cut the soul of a place. https://t.co/VL1ug7dCEv
— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) June 8, 2023
Love and aloha to our friend Neil Everett as he wrapped up his 23-year career at @espn today! Mahalo for the support and worldwide attention Neil! 🐐 #GoBows pic.twitter.com/v42Oy2Nkzb
— Hawaii Athletics (@HawaiiAthletics) June 9, 2023
Neil Everett.
Scholar & Gentleman.
Great pure energy.
23 years is no joke my man.
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) June 9, 2023
One of my favorite things to do at @espn was the late night SC after a long night of wraps. I’d go to the downstairs camera and talk ball with Neil Everett He was the best. Funny,smart, informed. Loved hoops; @ZagMBB @OregonMBB @trailblazers Will miss those segments.
— Seth Greenberg (@SethOnHoops) June 9, 2023
It’s getting more and more difficult to age as ESPN continues to evolve.
Neil Everett was incredibly special. A pillar of late night sports TV, which slowly is going by the wayside. Thank you so much Neil for all the quips laughter and fun. https://t.co/2iRXFpKFod
— Tyler Stoop (@TStoop) June 9, 2023
Neil Everett and Stan Verrett were essentially the last in a diminishing line of great SportsCenter anchor duos. The best anchoring they have now is a one-man show (SVP), along with decent halves of subpar duos. Times have changed. ESPN is extremely imbalanced with talent fees. https://t.co/OWTCgfqVtU
— Joel Hoover (@JoelHoover) June 9, 2023
Neil Everett and Stan Verrett are an absolute all time duo. Their chemistry was always off the charts: pic.twitter.com/JxVqRCUupU
— Baseball Analyst (@analyticsball7) June 9, 2023
Neil Everett was cool to me every time I encountered him, whether on air or in person.
He has the self-confidence that comes with authenticity.
Neil never let the job win. Neil is a legend because he does the job hall-of-fame well.
But Neil defines Neil. Always.— Marty Smith (@MartySmithESPN) June 9, 2023
One of the greats. Incredible 23-year run by Neil Everett. Can't get a better 'SportsCenter' duo than him and @stanverrett. https://t.co/EKF6xf4wX7
— Michael McCarthy (@MMcCarthyREV) June 8, 2023
Neil Everett is leaving ESPN and it sounds like he's hoping to increase his role w/the Trail Blazers. https://t.co/cXLlBfYLt5
— Danny Marang (@DannyMarang) June 8, 2023
Absolute legend. Neil Everett, Stuart Scott and SVP were what made SportsCenter great every night watching as a kid https://t.co/8jrlc2xCTW
— Rabbi Rab (@Rab_Bowers) June 9, 2023
Even as a kid, one of the earliest things in sports broadcasting I tried to emulate was Neil Everett's "SportsCenter…RIGHT NOW!"
Dude brought all the energy for over two decades. Shoutout to an incredible run. https://t.co/gR56No2MeM
— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) June 8, 2023
Neil Everett is one of the GOATs of sports broadcasting.
Grew up watching him and Stan Verrett kill the SportsCenter Top 10 EVERY MORNING in grade school.
The slick humor and quick jokes helped me grow my love of sports. Should get a bag somewhere 🤑 https://t.co/UOPSj52xK7
— Rav (@Rav_CFB) June 8, 2023
Neil Everett leaving ESPN certainly marks the end of something from my childhood. No better anchor, and no better Oregon Duck.
Always sure to sneak a "Quack quack!" in on SportsCenter. One of a kind. https://t.co/QrwipMwFSW
— Zachary Neel (@zacharycneel) June 9, 2023