The NFL season is rapidly approaching, with training camps around the league set to start soon. ESPN is excited about the upcoming season, as they will be broadcasting the Super Bowl in 2027. However, the network recently made a shocking decision as its NFL coverage for the season prepares to get underway.
ESPN Decides To Part Ways With Polarizing Talent Ryan Clark
NFL insider Andrew Marchand announced on The Athletic that ESPN is parting ways with Clark after 10 years. Marchand said, “ESPN has cut ties with NFL analyst Ryan Clark, sources briefed on the move, told The Athletic.”
Marchand added, “ESPN executives soured on Clark due to the issues with his words, which peaked with an on-and off-air incident this past season involving colleague Peter Schrager.”
Clark apologized after an animated discussion about Dallas Cowboys star Wide Receiver CeeDee Lamb, which led him to initially dismiss Schrager’s opinion because Schrager had never played in the NFL.
Marchand also revealed that Clark was fired while he was on the “NFL Live” show. He wrote, “[Clark]Â was informed of the decision during the show, said the sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter. Clark did not finish the program.”
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Clark’s exit will likely please a large segment of fans and disappoint the other half. He became a polarizing figure at the network for many NFL fans after signing his new contract in 2024, reportedly worth over $2 million annually.
In addition to the Schrager incident, Clark also apologized after making public statements about a fatal car crash involving former LSU football player Kyren Lacy without gathering the proper information. Clark also engaged in multiple social media feuds with other former NFL players like quarterback Robert Griffin III.
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Ultimately, many fans felt Clark wasn’t focused on giving insight into the NFL as much as growing his own brand. Clark appeared on ESPN’s “First Take,” “NFL Live,” and eventually “Monday Night Countdown,” as he became one of the network’s featured talents.
Other fans will be disappointed in ESPN’s decision, as Clark was praised for speaking his mind, especially when it came to raising awareness of some social issues. Many fans will anticipate Stephen A. Smith’s response to the decision, as he had a good relationship with Clark and is considered by many to be the face of ESPN.
For now, Clark will likely dedicate more of his time to continuing to build the popular “The Pivot Podcast” with fellow former NFL players Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder. Clark could be in demand for another network looking to spice up their NFL coverage as well.
