ESPN shocked the NFL when polarizing analyst Ryan Clark was fired mid-broadcast of the “NFL Live” show on Monday. Clark, who had joined the network almost immediately after retiring from the NFL in 2015, was let go as part of a wave of job cuts that intensified on Tuesday.
According to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand, ESPN has laid off more recognizable names on Tuesday, including NFL insider Tom Pelissero, NFL Network analyst Charles Davis, and MLB play-by-play commentator Karl Ravech, among others.
Charles Davis, Tom Pelissero’s Exits Draw Reactions
The NFL world on X had mixed reactions to the various layoffs of recognizable faces on Tuesday:
ESPN and NFL Network researcher Jack Andrade blasted the firing of Charles Davis. He wrote, “Charles Davis is/has been the heart and soul of NFL Network’s Combine and Draft coverage since his first day with the team. This is a mistake and is effectively the end date of NFL Network as any of us know it. Devastating and unnecessary.”
NFL Network’s draft guru Daniel Jeremiah lamented Davis’s departure from the network.
“Charles Davis is the definition of class. You won’t find a better teammate or a better broadcaster. His preparation is unmatched & his kindness is legendary. My kids always call him Uncle Charles when they see him on TV. He sent me a handwritten note before & after each draft over our 14 years together at NFLN. I love him,” Jeremiah posted.
Charles Davis is the definition of class. You won’t find a better teammate or a better broadcaster. His preparation is unmatched & his kindness is legendary. My kids always call him Uncle Charles when they see him on TV. He sent me a handwritten note before & after each draft…
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) July 21, 2026
Reporter Trevor McCue slammed ESPN for dismissing Davis despite his comprehensive NFL Draft coverage nous for the NFL Network.
He wrote, “Davis was one of the reasons NFL Network’s NFL Draft coverage cleared ESPN by a mile. Knowledge and credibility are losing to outlandish and uninformed.”
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Reporter Aaron Leming was shocked by the network’s firing of NFL insider Tom Pelissero. He posted, “Pelissero should be in high demand. ESPN made a mistake here, IMO.”
Andre Perrotta was saddened by the double loss of both Davis and Pelissero. He said, “Another misguided choice here. Charles Davis is a great analyst and an incredible resource during Draft season. He’s a no-nonsense, just break down the film and provide cogent analysis type. Shame he and Pelissero are being let go.”
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Reporter Joe Schad also added to fans mourning the departure of Davis from the network. “Charles Davis is one of the nicest humans on the planet. And Charles is also a good CFB and NFL analyst,” Schad posted.
Charles Davis is one of the nicest humans on the planet. And Charles is also a good CFB and NFL analyst. https://t.co/5LICHdY8Gu
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) July 21, 2026
According to ESPN chairman James Pitaro, the layoffs were influenced by their takeover of the NFL Network and the subsequent restructuring of the organization.
The network’s big hitters, including Stephen A. Smith, Pat McAfee, and Adam Schefter, remain unaffected by the major cuts. McAfee, who has two years left in his current contract, worth $30 million a year on the ‘Pat McAfee Show’ and ‘College GameDay,’ is reportedly set to receive a massive pay bump to $60 million a year.
Even the biggest names on the network’s payroll were not safe, as regular “First Take” contributor Cam Newton, SportsCenter veteran David Lloyd, and injury expert Stephania Bell are all on the chopping block.
