ESPN Firing ‘Best NFL Analyst’ Ryan Clark Ticks Off Stephen A. Smith: “The Bosses Know I’m Not Happy”

ESPN rushed Ryan Clark's dismissal midway through his appearance on NFL Live after reports came out that he was on his way out.

ESPN Firing ‘Best NFL Analyst’ Ryan Clark Ticks Off Stephen A. Smith: “The Bosses Know I’m Not Happy”

Stephen A. Smith and Ryan Clark (Image Basket News/Barstool Sports/X)

All eyes are on ESPN after it fired 10 employees earlier. Naturally, the departure of Ryan Clark brought with it some differing reactions. While some are that of shock, others were relieved to know that they do not have to listen to him anymore.

The former Pittsburgh Steelers safety primarily featured on NFL Live. There, he used to give insightful analysis and rarely strayed towards controversy. His work on the Monday Night Countdown was the same, as he was calm and composed.

However, whenever he was on Get Up or First Take, it was as if fans and the network would brace for impact. His most controversial opinions came out on those two programs along with his podcast, The Pivot.

Other than his wild takes on players, both past and current, the 46-year-old tended to cross the line on many topics. Time and again, fans have wanted ESPN to fire him. But so far, Clark was on the payroll, as many, such as Stephen A. Smith, felt that he was good at his job.

A person I considered to be arguably the best NFL analyst in America is no longer a member of ESPN. I can’t even tell y’all how much that hurts… I’m gonna miss him. I’m not happy about this decision one bit. The bosses know I’m not happy about this decision. I’ve made that very, very clear.

Stephen A. Smith said on his namesake show

The 58-year-old went on to say that he expects Ryan Clark to take this disappointing news ‘like men do.’ At the same time, he kept repeating that his former colleague was one of those closest to him on the network, and they were like ‘brothers.’

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Ryan Clark shows solidarity with others who lost their jobs at ESPN

When Stephen A. Smith announced on X that he was going to address Ryan Clark’s departure on his namesake show, the latter reacted to it with a ‘my dog’ comment. That seemingly confirms how close they were. Then, he took to the platform to write this:

Ryan Clark with the cast of NFL Live
Ryan Clark with the cast of NFL Live (Image via Lily Blum/X)

Sending prayers and love to all those laid off today by ESPN. So many of you have poured your life into that company, & I know how you’re feeling right now. My hope is as this door closes, another opens for you all. God bless!

Ryan Clark wrote

The Super Bowl champion expressed his solidarity with the others who have also lost their jobs. Along with Clark, Cam Newton, Bart Scott, and Charles Davis were the former players who got fired.

Along with them, insider Tom Pelissero and a few others also lost their jobs. This comes in the wake of ESPN realigning its roster after spending $3 billion to acquire NFL Network. Ryan Clark might be the most well-known name to have lost his job, but it seems the network might make more adjustments depending on how their payroll and ratings look.

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Deion Sanders in disbelief after Ryan Clark’s departure

After Ryan Clark wrote this on X, it drew a lot of reactions from his fans, most of whom expressed their disappointment at the news of his dismissal. A certain Deion Sanders was more shocked than sad.

This is 1 of many reasons I love this brother to Life! This was arguably the best talent on the espn roster! How can You Know WHO still be there and Ryan Clark AINT! Wow & please tell me the rumors of Cam Newton ain’t true and this dude is STILL there.

Deion Sanders wrote on X

Just like Stephen A. Smith, the Hall of Famer also felt that Clark was the best football mind on ESPN. Sanders felt that it was surprising that the Pivot host is no longer on the network, while others are still holding on to their jobs.

It seems this support for Clark will keep coming for a while, as many are still digesting the news that one of ESPN’s longest-tenured former football player-turned analysts is no longer there.

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