Ed Werder, a fixture in NFL reporting and especially on the Dallas Cowboys beat, is back in the game after his surprising departure from ESPN earlier this year. The longtime NFL reporter announced on Tuesday that he’s joining WFAA, the Dallas-area ABC affiliate, to cover the Cowboys, a team he’s been reporting on since 1992, starting with his work at the Dallas Morning News.
Werder, 64, has had a storied career, covering the Cowboys through their iconic Super Bowl runs in the 1990s and navigating the tumultuous breakup between Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson during that era. His experience and deep connections in the NFL make him one of the most respected voices on the Cowboys beat, and now, he’s ready to bring that wealth of knowledge to WFAA.
“I’m honored and excited for the opportunity to join the talented WFAA team this season as we expand coverage of the Dallas Cowboys in what should prove to be one of the most fascinating seasons in franchise history,” Werder said in a statement. “I look forward to providing coverage on television and online, using my vast experience and institutional knowledge of the Cowboys — combined with trusted relationships formed throughout the NFL — to bring unparalleled reporting depth and unique perspective to our audiences.”
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Werder has been part of the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) sports scene for over three decades, and his familiarity with the region’s sports culture is part of what makes him such a perfect fit for WFAA. He added, “Having spent the past 32 years in DFW, I know each of my teammates, respect their journalism and the work they do — and look forward to the great things we can accomplish together.”
Werder’s return to local TV comes after his second departure from ESPN. Earlier this year, he was laid off as part of the network’s wide-ranging cuts, a move that marked the end of his 26-year tenure there. It was the second time Werder had been let go from ESPN—he was previously laid off in 2017, only to rejoin the network in 2019. Despite the setback, Werder expressed gratitude for his time at ESPN, noting that he had built incredible memories and relationships during his years covering the NFL.
“While this marks the end of my partnership with ESPN, I expect to continue working because, as so many studio hosts have proclaimed — and I still devoutly believe — ‘Ed Werder has more,’” he said following his departure from the network in May.
Werder reflected on his long career at ESPN with appreciation: “I would be remiss if I didn’t express appreciation to my incredible colleagues and to the players, coaches, and other NFL team members who trusted me with their unique insight when covering their games or breaking news. I’ve created some incredible lifelong memories.”
His return to local coverage with WFAA is a homecoming of sorts, given his deep ties to the Dallas area and his extensive history with the Cowboys. Werder’s new role promises to offer Cowboys fans in-depth coverage during what’s shaping up to be a highly anticipated season for the team. With Werder’s insight and experience, WFAA is poised to deliver exceptional coverage of America’s Team, both on-air and online.
As Werder transitions to this new chapter, Cowboys fans and NFL enthusiasts alike will benefit from his extensive knowledge and unparalleled access to one of the most storied franchises in football history.
His comeback to the Dallas sports scene ensures that the Cowboys’ journey this season will be captured with the same depth and understanding that has defined his career for over three decades.
