ESPN hired him because he was controversial.

ESPN fired him because he was controversial.

Arguably, some of the greatest sports announcers in the day listened as co-hosts as Rush talked and offered an opinion that differed from what ESPN expected of traditional announcers, which is why they hired Rush.  Just as arguably, not offensive, but true.

As cancel culture emerged, it took a full week for ESPN to be outraged and fire Rush.  No one offered the "I am offended card at the time."

Revolutionary, pioneering and honest.  Rush!

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/02/17/rush-limbaugh-dead-espn/

Ted Nugent take ...

https://blabbermouth.net/news/ted-nugent-says-rush-limbaugh-was-one-of-the-smartest-guys-that-ever-lived-he-will-remain-the-perfect-symbol-for-america/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMZwS0ZonEU

A voice for America.