A look at 7 of the worst and most ridiculous takes from Ryan Clark during his time at ESPN - Fox News

What the report says

Fox News, through its OutKick vertical, reported that ESPN is parting ways with longtime NFL analyst Ryan Clark after an 11-year run at the network. The article says OutKick was preparing to report Clark’s exit when ESPN removed him from an “NFL Live” broadcast during a commercial break, though the supplied text does not include a detailed explanation from ESPN or Clark about the decision.

The piece is framed as a commentary-style review of Clark’s most disputed on-air moments. It highlights his remarks during Shedeur Sanders’ slide in the 2025 NFL Draft, when Clark discussed race and perceptions of Sanders at quarterback, and his comments after former Michigan coach Sherrone Moore’s firing, when Clark argued that other Black coaching candidates could be judged because of Moore’s actions.

Fox also pointed to Clark’s sports analysis, including his argument on “First Take” that Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Peyton Manning were not “generational talents,” while naming John Elway and Andrew Luck as examples. The article further criticizes Clark’s discussion of Black head-coach hiring in the NFL, saying he connected the issue to U.S. history and ownership patterns.

Other examples cited include Clark’s criticism of Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry over a suggested Charlie Kirk statue at LSU, and an exchange on “Get Up” in which Clark challenged ESPN colleague Peter Schrager’s perspective by referencing Schrager not having played in the NFL. The report matters because Clark was a prominent ESPN voice, and his departure comes amid continuing scrutiny of how sports networks handle opinion, race, politics and analyst credibility.