NFL analyst Ryan Clark, 46, is trending after ESPN cut ties with him in the middle of his live show broadcast on Monday (July 20). Sources say more layoffs at ESPN are expected.
According to sources at the network, executives feared someone would leak the news so they let him go mid-show. Additional layoffs are reportedly expected tomorrow (Tuesday, July 21) for ESPN and sister platform, NFL Network. The layoffs are reportedly part of a broader plan to cut employees at parent company Disney.
According to The New York Times’ sports publication, ‘The Athletic,’ Clark was let go during ESPN’s ‘NFL Live’ broadcast. Executives informed him of their decision during the broadcast. It is reported that after a commercial break, he did not return to set.
ESPN Parts Ways With Ryan Clark During Live Show
Sources at ESPN told The Athletic that media inquiries were coming in about impending departures, including Clark’s. Out of fear of him learning the news before they could inform him, they told him during his broadcast. The Athletic also reported that since the Super Bowl in February, they heard Clark’s job was potentially in jeopardy — and just last week, they learned he would soon be let go.
ESPN had planned to do so on Tuesday morning, but the handfuls of calls seeking answers on the rumors pushed their hand. Clark — who was reportedly making more than $2 million a year — had been with ESPN for over a decade. He was also expected to largely cover next year’s Super Bowl, Super Bowl LXI — as ESPN will broadcast the event for the first time.
Sources Says ESPN Cut Ties With Ryan Clark Over Incident With Peter Schrager
According to ESPN sources, executives weren’t too happy with some of Clark’s past choices and comments. This reportedly peaked with an on- and off-air incident involving colleague Peter Schrager. The two had a heated discussion during ESPN’s ‘Get Up’ in September 2025.
Even though Clark tweeted an apology afterward, the damage was done. In addition to ‘Get Up,’ Clark was a regular on shows like ‘First Take’ and ‘NFL Live.’ He also has his own podcast, ‘The Pivot.’
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