Joe Rogan has built a massive following as the host of The Joe Rogan Experience. From UFC fighters to astronauts and even President Donald Trump, Rogan’s guest list and raw, unfiltered style made his podcast a cultural staple.
Now, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith may be eyeing a similar path.
Fans React As Stephen A. Smith Seemingly Eyes Joe Rogan-Like Position
After the Democratic Party lost the recent U.S. Presidential Election, rumors have been flying that Smith could run for office in 2028. But according to The New York Times’ Matt Flegenheimer, Smith may have his sights set elsewhere, Rogan’s spot.
In a recent Instagram post, Smith shared a screenshot of Flegenheimer’s article, which reads:
“Stephen A. Smith Is Running. To Be Joe Rogan. America’s best-known sports-talker is hosting boldface Democrats and MAGA luminaries and teasing a 2028 run. But what he really wants is ubiquitous political influence, and things of that nature.”
View this post on Instagram
Rogan fans on social media seemingly didn’t like the bold claim as a fan wrote: “Not gonna happen. Perish the thought”
“Bro has no chance,” a fan seconded the thought.
“Love, Stephen A., but we’re good,” another fan said, showing love to the sportscaster while disapproving of the plan.
“He’s cool but he ain’t no Joe Rogan .. Good luck,” another fan seemed to agree.
Many others disapproved as a fan wrote: “There isn’t gonna be another Joe Rogan.”
“Stick to sports, please,” another fan wrote.
Interestingly, Smith holds Rogan in high regard. He even attributed Donald Trump’s victory to his appearance on Rogan’s podcast, which Smith believes helped Trump gain supporters from young male adults.
Rogan Once Criticized Smith for His Views on a UFC Fight
This isn’t the first time these two have crossed paths in the MMA world. After UFC 246, where Conor McGregor made his comeback with a first-round TKO win over Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, Smith criticized the fight, saying Cerrone quit.
Rogan didn’t like what Smith said about the fight. “Stephen A. Smith, I guess I should respond, right? You’re a very entertaining guy. I like you a lot, and I appreciate the props you gave me in that video. But you’re wrong,” Rogan said on JRE MMA Show #88 w/Frankie Edgar.
The 57-year-old highlighted that McGregor’s impressive performance resulted in Cerrone’s loss rather than what Smith alleged. “I think the problem is Stephen A. Smith, who’s a very entertaining guy and is very knowledgeable about other sports. This is not his wheelhouse,” Rogan added.
The UFC color commentator said the MMA fighters deserve respect, and allegations like what Smith mentioned shouldn’t be levied against any fighter, particularly Cerrone, an icon of the sport.