Sam Ponder (Photo By Kim Klement-Imagn Images)
Sam Ponder is going through a rough stretch, and football fans are rallying behind her.

The former ESPN host, known for her work on Sunday NFL Countdown, revealed on Friday that her mother is currently in Israel and caught in the middle of its ongoing conflict with Iran.

The news comes just weeks after ESPN let Ponder go as part of a round of cost-cutting layoffs ahead of the 2024 NFL season.

Ponder, 39, took to social media to share what her family is going through. “My mom is in Israel right now and can see/hear the explosions in the sky,” she wrote. “Please pray for peace. God help us.” The conflict in the region escalated Friday after Israel launched strikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory airstrikes from Tehran.

NFL Community Shows Support

Sam Ponder laughingSam Ponder (Photo via @samanthaponder/IG)
Ponder’s tweet quickly drew an outpouring of support from fans and followers. The football community, including many of those who followed her years of NFL coverage, responded with prayers and words of encouragement.

“Sending prayers and good vibes to you and your family,” one fan replied. “Hope they stay safe.”

Another added, “Praying for her!”

While a third wrote, “How scary! Prayers for your mother, Sam.”

Though Ponder has not provided a further update on her mother’s status, fans have continued checking in. The situation remains tense, as reports indicate that U.S. government employees are also currently stuck in Israel with no immediate evacuation plans in place.

The timing of all this adds to an already turbulent few months for Ponder. Just before the NFL season, ESPN parted ways with her, despite her show Sunday NFL Countdown coming off one of its strongest ratings performances in recent years. Veteran broadcaster Michele Tafoya openly questioned the timing and motive behind the decision, saying, “I don’t believe that anything is just budget cuts anymore.”

Despite the silence around her professional future, Ponder’s focus has clearly shifted to her family. As conflict escalates thousands of miles away, she’s left hoping, along with countless others, for peace and safety.

For now, the football world stands by her, offering prayers, solidarity, and the kind of compassion that often cuts through the noise of media headlines