ESPN’s latest round of layoffs last week included former NFL players-turned-TV analysts Ryan Clark and Cam Newton, as well as reporter Tom Pelissero, who had joined the company from NFL Network. Clark’s exit drew particular attention after more than a decade with the network.
The moves come as ESPN prepares for one of its most significant NFL coverage seasons yet, a run that will culminate with the network’s first Super Bowl broadcast.
Front Office Sports reported that former All-Pro wide receiver Steve Smith is expected to have an expanded role on ESPN studio programming. ESPN confirmed Monday that Jason McCourty will join “Monday Night Countdown,” appearing to step into the opening created by Ryan Clark’s layoff. McCourty joined ESPN in 2024 and is now exclusive to the network after leaving his CBS game analyst role earlier this year.
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Ryan Clark of ESPN’s “Monday Night Football Countdown” before the NFC Wild Card Playoff game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium on Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona. (Ric Tapia/Getty Images)
Former NFL wide receiver Roddy White is among the latest sports figures to weigh in. White, who faced Clark during their playing careers, said Clark’s abrupt ESPN exit stood out because of how highly he regarded the former analyst’s work.
“I think Ryan Clark is exceptional at his job,” he said. “It’s unfortunate that he got released by ESPN because he is so good at what he does. Usually, guys who are that good don’t lose their jobs.”
White also pointed to Clark’s outspokenness on issues beyond football, suggesting it may have been a factor in the separation.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) warms up before an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens at Georgia Dome on Sept. 3, 2015, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
“Clark speaks up on a lot of issues outside of football. He is always standing up for the Black community and being on our side. I think this, and his opinionated nature, may have cost him his job because ESPN, as a network, doesn’t want people touching on politics and community-related topics. They just want everything to be sports-related.”
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White finished his 11-year career with the Atlanta Falcons with 10,863 regular-season receiving yards.
Clark had been one of ESPN’s more visible NFL voices, regularly appearing on “NFL Live,” “First Take,” “Get Up” and “SportsCenter.” In 2023, at the 44th Annual Sports Emmy Awards, he took home the Sports Emmy in the Outstanding Personality/Studio Analyst category for his work across ESPN platforms.
Ryan Clark of ESPN’s “Monday Night Countdown” on set before the game between the Miami Dolphins and the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Nov. 11, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Ric Tapia/Getty Images)
Clark had also been a fixture on the “Countdown” desk alongside Scott Van Pelt since 2023. His layoff, however, drew added scrutiny because it reportedly happened during an “NFL Live” broadcast, prompting questions about how the network handled the move.
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In 2021, Clark launched “The Pivot Podcast” with former NFL players Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder. He has also hosted “Inside the NFL” since 2023.
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