What Happened to Keyshawn JWill and Max? What Will Replace Keyshawn JWill and Max?
by Priyanka P
Updated Jul 03, 2023
What Happened to Keyshawn Jwill and Max?
The Keyshawn, JWill & Max morning radio show was phased out by ESPN in June 2023. This was due to a number of factors, including the show's declining ratings and the network's desire to make room for new programming.
The show's hosts, Keyshawn Johnson, Jay Williams, and Max Kellerman, were all affected by the cancellation. Kellerman's This Just In show was also canceled, and his future with ESPN is uncertain. Williams' contract expires in three months, and it's possible that he will leave ESPN soon. Johnson's contract is more secure, but it's unclear what his role at ESPN will be going forward.
The cancellation of the Keyshawn, JWill & Max morning radio show is a sign of the challenges that ESPN Radio is facing. The network's radio lineup has been struggling in recent years, and the cancellation of this popular show is a further blow.
Here are some additional details about what happened to the show:
What will Replace Keyshawn Jwill and Max?
The cancellation of the national morning radio show featuring Keyshawn Johnson, Jay Williams, and Max Kellerman on ESPN leaves room for potential replacements. While specific details about the new programming lineup have not been mentioned, there are a few possibilities and considerations:
"The Pat McAfee Show": It has been reported that "The Pat McAfee Show" will take over the time slot previously occupied by Max Kellerman's TV program, "This Just In," in the fall. This suggests that McAfee's show will likely fill the gap left by Kellerman's departure from the radio show.
Other ESPN Personalities: ESPN may choose to utilize existing personalities within its network to fill the vacant slots. They have a wide range of talented analysts, commentators, and hosts who could be tapped to take on new roles or expand their current responsibilities. However, specific individuals have not been mentioned in the provided information.
New Talent: ESPN might also explore the possibility of bringing in fresh faces to host or contribute to the morning radio show. The network has a history of discovering and nurturing new talent, so they may seek out promising voices and personalities to join the lineup.
It's important to note that the details about the replacements for Keyshawn Johnson, Jay Williams, and Max Kellerman have not been explicitly stated in the given information. ESPN's decision regarding the new lineup will likely depend on various factors, including the direction and strategy they want to pursue for their morning programming. The network may also consider audience preferences, expertise, and chemistry among hosts and analysts when making their choices.
Why Was Keyshawn Johnson Fired?
Keyshawn Johnson, a long-time ESPN analyst and former NFL player, was let go as part of the recent mass layoffs at the sports media company. There are several factors that could have contributed to ESPN's decision.
Firstly, ESPN's parent company, Disney, has been implementing a series of layoffs with the goal of reducing its workforce by around 7,000 employees. Keyshawn Johnson's termination may have been a result of this larger downsizing strategy as ESPN aims to meet the company's financial targets.
Secondly, the provided information suggests that Keyshawn Johnson's radio program, which he co-hosted with Max Kellerman and Jay Williams, was discontinued. The show's lack of popularity or lower ratings compared to other ESPN programs could have been a contributing factor to Johnson's termination.
Furthermore, the report mentions that Johnson recently signed a lucrative 5-year deal worth up to $18 million with ESPN. Despite his firing, ESPN will still honour the full amount of his contract, which can be seen as a financial decision aimed at impressing shareholders. The company may have decided to write off Johnson's contract as a way to reduce their financial commitments while still fulfilling their contractual obligations.
Lastly, the report suggests that Keyshawn Johnson is a leading candidate to replace Shannon Sharpe as the co-host of the Fox Sports show "UNDISPUTED," hosted by Skip Bayless. ESPN's knowledge of Johnson's potential opportunity with a competitor could have influenced their decision to part ways with him.
Keyshawn Jwill and Max Last Day
No specifications regarding the exact last day for the "Keyshawn, JWill and Max" morning radio show on ESPN. However, the layoffs for on-air talent are expected to begin by the end of June as part of the network's restructuring efforts. Therefore, it can be assumed that the trio's last day on the show will likely fall within that timeframe.
While ESPN is canceling the morning radio show, it does not necessarily mean that Keyshawn Johnson, Jay Williams, and Max Kellerman will be completely let go from the company. There is a possibility that they may continue to work in other roles or shows within ESPN. The decision to cancel the show is part of a broader restructuring plan aimed at optimizing resources and meeting financial targets set by ESPN's parent company, Disney.
Regarding the future plans of Keyshawn Johnson, there is speculation that he could potentially join Fox Sports if he decides to leave ESPN. Fox currently has an opening on its debate show, Undisputed, and Johnson could be a candidate to replace the departing Shannon Sharpe. As for Jay Williams, his contract is set to expire at the end of the summer, so his future with ESPN remains uncertain.
What Happened to Keyshawn Jwill and Max - FAQ
The show was phased out by ESPN in June 2023. This was due to a number of factors, including the show's declining ratings and the network's desire to make room for new programming.
ESPN is canceling the show as part of a larger restructuring effort and cost-cutting measures within the company.
It is unclear if they will be let go, but there is speculation that Max Kellerman's high salary might put him at risk, while Keyshawn Johnson and Jay Williams' future roles with ESPN are uncertain.
The specific last day of the show has not been mentioned, but layoffs for on-air talent are expected to begin by the end of June, indicating that the show's conclusion will likely be within that time frame.
There is a possibility that Keyshawn Johnson could join Fox Sports and potentially replace Shannon Sharpe as a co-host on the show Undisputed, but negotiations and agreements would need to be made.
The layoffs are part of ESPN's efforts to streamline operations, reduce costs, and meet financial targets set by its parent company, Disney.