Former NFL defensive back Ryan Clark has been with ESPN for a decade, but things took a brutal turn on Monday.
Clark was on an episode of “NFL Live,” but he did not return after finding out he was being laid off, via a report from Andrew Marchand of The Athletic.
“Our story is being updated: Clark was on NFL Live today, but was told during the program that he was being let go, according to sources. He did not finish the program. ESPN was expected to inform him tomorrow morning when it is anticipated the network inform more employees of the layoffs,” Marchand wrote on X.
Here was one of Clark’s final segments on ESPN before the news came out on Monday.
"Are the Super Bowl expectations realistic for the Cowboys this year?"@Realrclark25 breaks down why Dallas can be looked at as a potential Super Bowl contender ✍️ pic.twitter.com/XW1lc9JKv2
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 20, 2026
Clark spent 13 seasons in the NFL, including eight with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was part of the Super Bowl-winning Steelers team in Super Bowl XLIII against the Arizona Cardinals.
Clark’s time with ESPN was a mixed bag. In the 2025 season, he called out Peter Schrager for his takes and mentioned that Schrager never played in the league before apologizing.
Clark then questioned whether or not Seattle Seahawks QB Sam Darnold was injured during the playoffs, and there were plenty of questionable moments by Clark later.
Still, being informed he was let go during a segment of “NFL Live” isn’t the best look by the network, and ESPN is expected to make more layoffs this week.
