Matthew Berry shockingly announced he’s leaving ESPN, and fans everywhere paid tribute

The man known as the Talented Mr. Roto is leaving ESPN.

The Talented Mr. Roto is leaving The Worldwide Leader.

Matthew Berry, who joined ESPN in 2007 and became their Senior Fantasy Sports Analyst surprised fans everywhere by announcing that, after 15 years, he was leaving ESPN.

It comes as a shock as another fantasy football season — in which fans would read his takes, picks, listen to his podcasts and devour his Thursday “Love/Hate” columns that were about more than just who to start and sit for the week — is coming soon.

ESPN released its own statement (see below) saying that Berry “expressed a desire to explore new opportunities beyond ESPN” and that the network “agreed to support it.”

Fans everywhere paid tribute: