It’s been a hectic week for ESPN to say the least, as Ryan Clark and several other broadcasters were laid off.
Clark, who joined ESPN in 2015, was considered one of the network’s top NFL analysts. He made appearances on “First Take” and “Get Up,” but he was best known for being a regular on “NFL Live.” Speaking of that popular show, Clark was informed of his fate during Monday’s episode.
“Sources at ESPN say the reason they told Clark during the show was due to media inquiries into his departure and a fear that the news would leak out before they could inform him. Since after the Super Bowl in February, sources had told The Athletic that Clark’s job could be in jeopardy. Last week, The Athletic learned that Clark was likely to be let go,” Andrew Marchand of The Athletic said. “ESPN’s plan was to do that on Tuesday morning, but after receiving calls on the matter chose to inform him during his show as they did not want him to read it online before being told in person.”
© Dale Zanine-Imagn Images.
Some fans assumed Clark’s exit at ESPN had to do with his on-air argument with NFL analyst Peter Schrager. During the 2025 NFL season, Clark went viral for yelling “That’s the non-player in you” towards Schrager.
Interestingly enough, Schrager could benefit from ESPN’s latest personnel moves.
Back in May, The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand reported that Schrager could land his own show on ESPN.
Fast forward to this week, and Bobby Burack of OutKick reported that ESPN is “building” a new show around Schrager.
Ryan Clark comments on his “feud” with Peter Schrager.
During the latest episode of his podcast, “The Pivot,” Clark discussed his sudden exit from ESPN. He also shot down the idea that he had beef with Schrager.
“Me and Peter don’t have an issue,” Clark said. “I would think if you asked him right now, obviously after what went on with us, there’s been nobody that’s been nicer to him.”
Clark has built a large following over the past decade, so it wouldn’t shock us if he lands on his feet very soon. For now though, he’ll be sharing his takes on “The Pivot.”
About the author
Chris Rosvoglou
Senior writer