Ryan Clark’s long run at ESPN ended during a normal workday, not with a farewell show. The network told the former Pittsburgh Steelers safety that it was cutting ties with him after 11 years on television.

Clark learned about the move while appearing on NFL Live. ESPN planned to tell him Tuesday morning, but media questions raised concern that he could see the news online first.

"ESPN has cut ties with NFL analyst Ryan Clark, sources briefed on the move told The Athletic," Andrew Marchand of The Athletic wrote on Monday.

According to The Athletic, Clark left before the final segment. Sources said ESPN leaders had grown unhappy with some of his choices, with a tense exchange involving colleague Peter Schrager becoming a major issue.

The moment came on Get Up last September after Schrager defended Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Clark told him, “That’s the non-player in you,” before the disagreement continued off the air. He later apologized and said he regretted the interaction.

Clark joined ESPN in 2015 after retiring from football. He became a regular on NFL Live, First Take, Get Up, and Monday Night Countdown, where he spent three years beside Scott Van Pelt, Jason Kelce, and Marcus Spears.

Clark reportedly earned more than $2 million per year and signed his latest deal in 2024. His exit came as ESPN and NFL Network prepared for more cuts under Disney, but his name stood out because he had become one of the network’s best-known NFL voices.

Before Clark spoke about football on television, he built his name through a playing career that began without a draft call.

Before television, Clark earned his name on the field

Clark joined the New York Giants in 2002 after no team selected him in the NFL draft. He started with a small role but worked hard and earned more playing time.

“Just because you weren’t picked doesn’t mean you aren’t chosen,” Clark said in a post shared via X in April. “You can’t see it right now, but your story is just beginning. I know your phone didn’t ring, no one called your name, & a dream has been delayed… but all you need is 1 opportunity.”

After two seasons in New York, Clark joined Washington and became a starting safety. Pittsburgh signed him in 2006, giving him the chance to play beside Troy Polamalu and join one of the NFL’s toughest defenses.

Clark spent eight seasons with the Steelers and helped them win Super Bowl XLIII in the 2008 season. He later earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2011 and played in another Super Bowl following the 2010 season.

In the 13 NFL seasons, Clark played 177 games and recorded 938 total tackles, 16 interceptions, and four sacks. He finished his career with Washington in 2014 before moving into broadcasting the next year.

With his ESPN chapter now closed, could Clark’s football experience and strong voice lead him to another major platform? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community!

Written by

Shreya Mishra

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi