ESPN needs a new host for “First Take” after Molly Qerim departed last week. The network has a plan to try out various personalities over the next few months to see what works best. But there is one person who is experienced and seems to fit as a potential host: Joy Taylor. Would she make sense for the job?
After Qerim left “First Take,” there were some fans mentioning Taylor as a possible replacement.
Am I wrong for maybe ESPN bring I. Joy Taylor for first take
— Jaquan🤟🏾 (@_QUAN_X) September 17, 2025
Maybe I’m crazy, but I’d love to see Joy Taylor on First Take
— Hollywood J (@HLWD_J) September 16, 2025
Taylor was a host at FOX Sports before being let go by FS1 in July. She is currently hosting her podcast “Two Personal” and has been making some paid appearances, but otherwise she is below the radar. Taylor has experience hosting and moderating talk shows, including “Speak,” which was the show she most recently hosted for FS1.
Taylor has plenty of experience, as well as name recognition. She is definitely the type of person who could help draw attention to the show. However, it wasn’t that long ago that her name was tarnished by a lawsuit filed earlier this year. Given what just happened with Shannon Sharpe, ESPN might not be interested in dealing with more drama among their hosts. Stephen A. Smith stayed fairly neutral when Taylor’s name came up in the lawsuit, and he would have to approve of any new host. But ESPN might prefer to go with someone who has less of a negative history.
