Yeah, my Dad said the same thing. "Should have come right off after a little pressure with a wrench."
I just mention it as a word of caution. I don't think all Escapes or FEH have some inherently difficult antenna removal but it's definitely one of those, "Well, shucks, that wasn't what I was prepared to have happen." His Mustang's was on tight but came right off while I watched him. (salt in wound
)