Ryan Clark spent more than a decade building his career at ESPN as an NFL voice. Now, after an unexpected exit from the network, he is leaning on the place where he says he has always felt most comfortable being himself.
Ryan Clark Opens Up on Why ‘The Pivot Podcast’ Means More Than Ever
A few days after ESPN let go of Clark, he shared how “The Pivot Podcast” has shown him the importance of the platform that has allowed him to be himself all along.
The note followed a few days after the July 24 episode of the podcast, during which Clark publicly addressed his “firing,” as he put it, for the first time, speaking about the disappointment, doubt, and gratitude he felt in the aftermath.
His exit marked the end of a more than a decade-long run at ESPN, where he had become a recognizable NFL voice. According to The Athletic, Clark was informed of the decision while appearing on “NFL Live” on Monday after ESPN executives accelerated their plans to get ahead of media leaks, abruptly pulling him from the air after one media outlet reached out for comment about his impending termination. He did not return to finish the program after the commercial break.
The decision came as ESPN and NFL Network prepared for another round of layoffs tied to broader cost-cutting efforts by major stakeholder Disney. Earlier this year, ESPN completed its acquisition of NFL Media, which gave the NFL a 10% ownership stake in the network.
BE THE GM OF YOUR FAVORITE TEAM: PFN’s FREE NFL Mock Draft Simulator
Sources told The Athletic that Clark reportedly earned roughly $2 million annually and was planned to play an important role in ESPN’s Super Bowl LXI coverage. However, internal discussions about his future had reportedly been taking place for months.
The report also showed frustrations among some ESPN executives over Clark’s on-air approach, in line with an exchange with colleague Peter Schrager during an episode of “Get Up” in September. During a debate over Dallas Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb, Clark remarked, “That’s the non-player in you,” which led Schrager to object, telling Clark not to devalue him just because he did not play professionally. Clark later apologized publicly, saying he regretted the interaction both on and off the air.
Nevertheless, after leaving the network, the former Pittsburgh Steelers safety has found support through the podcast he co-hosts with fellow former NFL players Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder.
BUILD YOUR OWN TOP 100: PFN’s FREE NFL Top 100 Builder
On Monday, through a post on X, he looked back at how the podcast came together five years ago.
“Almost 5 years ago now, @alicialauren reached out and told me that @OfficialCrowder was going to give me a call. A few minutes later, my phone lit up with a FaceTime. Strange for a first call, but it’s Chann. So I answered,” Clark wrote. “I was getting ready to watch Monday Night Football before heading to the studio with Scott Van Pelt. Channing told me he and @FredTaylorMade were starting a show and needed one more… “Why not?” That led us to this moment, my biggest pivot.”
“Not everything I’ve said on this platform has worked in my favor, but I’ve always shown up as my authentic self,” Clark added. “I’ve never tried to be anyone else. That’s why last Friday meant so much to me. @thepivot gave me the space to be fully me, to smile, laugh, cry, clap my hands when I talk, & embrace every emotion. It was beautiful in the realest, dopest way.”
“It’s been a week now, and my heart is full. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who reached out, sent a message, offered encouragement, or simply showed love,” Clark continued. “To the entire Pivot family, I love you. Thank you for being on this journey with me. And most importantly… keep pivoting with us. ❤️”
Almost 5 years ago now, @alicialauren reached out and told me that @OfficialCrowder was going to give me a call. A few minutes later, my phone lit up with a FaceTime. Strange for a first call, but it’s Chann. So I answered.
I was getting ready to watch Monday Night Football… pic.twitter.com/nk0CxinCp3
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) July 27, 2026
Clark has not announced his next step in sports media, but this message at least shows one thing: “The Pivot Podcast” will remain a central part of his future.
