Molly Qerim confirms it: She’s leaving as host of ESPN morning staple ‘First Take’

by

Those who deliver the news can’t always break the news, even when it concerns themselves.

Molly Qerim recently learned that she would be stepping down as host of ESPN’s “First Take,” a role she’d held since 2015.

Sports

In March, Tom Brady will come out of retirement to play flag football in Saudi Arabia alongside former teammate Rob Gronkowski and several current NFL players.

She confirmed the news on Tuesday with an Instagram post, explaining that it had been revealed sooner than she wanted and not how she’d planned.

I’ve given it a lot of thought, and I’ve decided it’s time for me to move on from First Take. Honestly, hosting that show has been a real highlight of my career. I felt so lucky to be able to debate sports every morning with such smart, lively, and fun people – and, of course, with all of you amazing fans. It’s been an incredible ride, and I’m grateful for the experience.

Despite reports that Molly Qerim, 41, had declined a new contract but would stay with the show through the end of the year, she wasn’t on air Tuesday morning. Her “First Take” colleague, Stephen A. Smith, spoke highly of her while she was absent.

Stephen A. Smith praised her ten years hosting ‘First Take,’ highlighting how she improved the show with her poise, knowledge, and exceptional kindness. He emphasized her decade-long contribution to their success, noting she kept him and others on track with grace, class, and a consistently kind approach.

Voices

Plaschke: UCLA can’t afford to let Martin Jarmond hire its next football coach

As a longtime observer of college football, I’m telling you, UCLA absolutely *cannot* let athletic director Martin Jarmond anywhere near the process of hiring their next head coach. DeShaun Foster’s departure makes it clear – Jarmond needs to be sidelined from this decision. The last coaching search didn’t work out, and frankly, giving him another shot at it would be a huge mistake. They need a fresh perspective, and that means Jarmond needs to step back.

This summer, “First Take” has seen two on-air personalities leave. Following Shannon Sharpe’s departure in July – which came after a settlement in a sexual assault lawsuit filed by a former partner – Qerim has now also left the show.

Qerim initially joined ESPN in 2006 and worked there until 2010. She then spent time at CBS Sports and NFL Network before returning to ESPN in 2015 to host “First Take.”

They haven’t found a permanent replacement for Qerim yet, but Courtney Cronin is the frontrunner. She’s already filled in on “First Take” and also appears on “SportsCenter” and “Around the Horn,” on top of her regular job covering Chicago sports.

It’s currently unknown what Qerim will do next, but she has said she enjoyed her time on “First Take.”

Sports

Former NFL player Shannon Sharpe has confirmed he won’t be returning to ESPN. This news comes after a $50 million lawsuit alleging sexual assault against him was recently settled.

She shared on Instagram how thankful she is for the incredible friendships, cherished memories, and unique experience this journey provided. She also expressed her sincere gratitude for being welcomed into everyone’s homes.

“Stay tuned

”

Read More

2025-09-16 19:01