ESPN parts ways with Cam Newton and Ryan Clark amid talent layoffs
ESPN is reportedly parting ways with Cam Newton and Ryan Clark as part of a series of talent layoffs. These changes are expected to be announced as early as Tuesday. The network’s decision to let go of these on-air personalities follows its acquisition of NFL Network assets.
The layoffs are largely a result of the integration of NFL Network into ESPN, a deal that was approved in January 2026. This acquisition granted the NFL a 10% stake in ESPN. ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro indicated in an internal memo that most job impacts are linked to this acquisition, though other parts of the company are also affected.
Changes to On-Air Talent Lineup
Cam Newton had been a prominent figure on ESPN for the past two seasons, notably as a debate partner for Stephen A. Smith on “First Take.” Last season, Newton took over from Shannon Sharpe as Smith’s primary Monday co-host during the football season, a period that typically sees the show’s highest ratings. ESPN is now expected to seek a permanent replacement for Newton for the Monday editions of the program.
The departure of Newton and Clark means Stephen A. Smith will be without his two main analysts during the upcoming football season. This shift opens up more airtime for new talent, including individuals from NFL Network. For instance, Kyle Brandt is reported to have a weekly role alongside Stephen A. Smith, and Peter Schrager, formerly Brandt’s co-host on “Good Morning Football,” moved to ESPN in 2025.
Ryan Clark’s Departure and Internal Dynamics
Ryan Clark, an NFL analyst, was informed of his departure during a taping of “NFL Live.” Sources indicated that this timing was due to media inquiries and a desire to inform him before the news became public. Clark did not complete the show after being notified.
Clark had been with ESPN for more than a decade and was reportedly earning more than $2 million per year. Despite being slated for significant involvement in Super Bowl LXI coverage, internal discussions about his potential departure had been ongoing since February. Executives reportedly had concerns regarding some of Clark’s choices, with one incident involving colleague Peter Schrager on “Get Up” in September highlighting these dynamics.
During that on-air exchange, Clark made a comment to Schrager, who had defended a player’s performance, stating, “That’s the non-player in you.” Schrager asked Clark not to belittle him, to which Clark responded, “Peter, what I need for you to do is not get mad and let me finish.” Clark later issued an apology on social media for the interaction.
Clark’s playing career in the NFL spanned 13 seasons, primarily with the Pittsburgh Steelers, after he entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He transitioned to broadcasting at ESPN after the 2014 season, eventually joining “Monday Night Countdown” for three years and regularly appearing on shows such as “First Take,” “Get Up,” and “NFL Live.”
This round of layoffs also includes other notable names such as longtime “SportsCenter” host David Lloyd, NFL Network insider Tom Peliserro, fantasy injury expert Stephania Bell, and Karl Ravech. These personnel changes follow a previous round of high-profile layoffs in June 2023, when ESPN’s parent company mandated the elimination of 7,000 jobs.
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Source: foxnews.com
