The moves come as ESPN prepares for one of its most significant NFL coverage seasons yet, a run that will culminate with the network’s first Super Bowl broadcast.Front Office Sports reported that former All-Pro wide receiver Steve Smith is expected to have an expanded role on ESPN studio programming.ESPN confirmed Monday that Jason McCourty will join "Monday Night Countdown," appearing to step into the opening created by Ryan Clark’s layoff.
McCourty joined ESPN in 2024 and is now exclusive to the network after leaving his CBS game analyst role earlier this year.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMRyan Clark of ESPN's "Monday Night Football Countdown" before the NFC Wild Card Playoff game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium on Jan.13, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona.
(Ric Tapia/Getty Images)Former NFL wide receiver Roddy White is among the latest sports figures to weigh in.White, who faced Clark during their playing careers, said Clark’s abrupt ESPN exit stood out because of how highly he regarded the former analyst’s work."I think Ryan Clark is exceptional at his job," he said.
"It's unfortunate that he got released by ESPN because he is so good at what he does.Usually, guys who are that good don't lose their jobs."White also pointed to Clark’s outspokenness on issues beyond football, suggesting it may have been a factor in the separation.Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) warms up before an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens at Georgia Dome on Sept.
3, 2015, in Atlanta, Georgia.(Kevin C.
Cox/Getty Images)"Clark speaks up on a lot of issues outside of football.He is always standing up for the Black community and being on our side.
I think this, and his opinionated nature, may have cost him his job because ESPN, as a network, doesn't want people touching on politics and community-related topics.They just want everything to be sports-related."5 OPTIONS TO REPLACE RYAN CLARK ON ESPN'S SU...