Mina Kimes Nearly Left ESPN in 2023: NFL Analyst Admits Considering Outside Opportunity

ESPN star Mina Kimes nearly bid farewell to the network in 2023, but ultimately decided to stay put after considering a tempting offer. The longtime NFL analyst and journalist recently inked a new deal with ESPN, rumored to be valued at $1.7 million annually.

Kimes, who is also affiliated with Peyton and Eli Manning’s Omaha Productions, admitted in a recent interview that she had contemplated leaving ESPN for an enticing opportunity in Los Angeles. However, her strong bond with colleagues like Marcus Spears, Ryan Clark, Dan Orlovsky, and Seth Wickersham ultimately swayed her decision to stay.

While Kimes did not disclose the specifics of the offer that almost lured her away, it was revealed that Bill Simmons of The Ringer and Spotify had been actively pursuing her. Simmons expressed his admiration for Kimes, labeling her as his “number one draft pick.”

Having joined ESPN in 2014, Kimes has made a name for herself with her investigative journalism and engaging podcasts. She has become a prominent figure on various ESPN shows, including NFL Live, Get Up!, SportsCenter, and First Take.

Despite her success in sports media, Kimes hinted at the possibility of exploring new challenges in the future, potentially outside the realm of sports. With a background in business journalism, she expressed interest in delving into economic news and creating content beyond the sports world.

Prior to her tenure at ESPN, Kimes worked as an investigative reporter for Bloomberg News and a business writer for Fortune Magazine. Her decision to remain with ESPN reflects her commitment to her colleagues and passion for football, while also hinting at potential ventures beyond the sports industry in the future.