ESPN Cuts Ties With Ryan Clark Amid Broader Layoff Trend

ESPN has fired analyst and former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark, according to reporting from The Athletic via Yahoo Sports and Sports Illustrated.

While Clark had been a prominent figure at the network since 2016—appearing frequently on *First Take* and the *Up & Adams Show*—The Athletic reports that his relationship with ESPN executives had "soured." The breaking point appears to have been a September 5 segment of *Get Up*, where Clark engaged in a viral exchange with colleague Peter Schrager. During a discussion regarding receivers AJ Brown and CeeDee Lamb, Clark told Schrager, "That’s the non-player in you," implying that Schrager's lack of NFL experience hindered his perspective.

Although Clark issued an apology on X later that day, Yahoo Sports reports the incident pushed the network to move on from the polarizing personality.

The timing of the dismissal is notable as Sports Illustrated reports that Clark was expected to be a significant part of ESPN's Super Bowl coverage. Furthermore, The Athletic indicates that the network is expected to announce additional layoffs. This suggests a broader shift in talent management, even as the network secures high-profile assets like Super Bowl television rights, WWE premium live events, and expensive contracts for personalities such as Pat McAfee.

Clark, who played eight seasons for the Steelers, continues to host *The Pivot* and *Inside the NFL*, both of which are unaffiliated with ESPN.