The sports broadcasting world was rocked this week as Molly Qerim, the celebrated host of ESPN’s First Take, announced her impending departure from both the show and the network. The revelation came on September 16, 2025, when Qerim took to her Instagram Story and social media platforms to share the news—though, as she candidly admitted, word of her exit surfaced sooner than she had intended, thanks to a report from Sports Business Journal (SBJ).
"After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take," Qerim wrote to her followers. "Hosting this show has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Every morning, I had the privilege of sharing the desk with some of the most brilliant, passionate, and entertaining voices in sports—and with all of you, the best fans in the world." She didn’t reveal her next move, instead signing off with a hopeful "Stay tuned" and a smiley face, leaving her fans and the sports media industry abuzz with speculation.
According to Sports Business Journal, Qerim turned down ESPN’s offer for a new contract, opting instead to leave at the end of 2025. While neither Qerim nor ESPN specified the exact date of her final First Take appearance, the announcement marks the end of a significant era for both the host and the show she helped define.
Burke Magnus, ESPN’s president of content, quickly issued a statement following Qerim’s announcement, acknowledging her profound impact on the network: "Molly has been an integral part of ESPN since 2006 and a key driver of First Take’s success since joining as host a decade ago. She elevated the show with her poise, skill and professionalism, while supporting others as a kind and encouraging teammate. We respect Molly’s decision, wish her the best in the future and thank her for her extraordinary daily commitment to sports fans and ESPN."
Qerim’s journey with ESPN is a story of dedication and talent. She first joined the network in 2006, contributing to digital and mobile platforms and earning an Emmy Award in 2008 for her work on Fantasy Football Now. Her career then took her to CBS Sports in New York, where she covered college football and basketball, and later to NFL Network in Los Angeles, where she hosted NFL AM and NFL Fantasy Live. Qerim returned to ESPN in 2015, taking over First Take’s hosting duties from Cari Champion and being named the permanent host in 2017.
During her tenure, Qerim became the face of First Take, steering the show through lively debates and high-profile interviews with a blend of grace, expertise, and a steady hand. The show, which airs weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon, features a rotating cast of sports personalities, including the outspoken Stephen A. Smith, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, former NFL MVP Cam Newton, and analysts like Damien Woody, Ryan Clark, and Brian Windhorst. Qerim’s ability to moderate heated discussions and keep the show on track earned her widespread respect among colleagues and viewers alike.
Her departure prompted an emotional tribute from Stephen A. Smith on the September 16 episode of First Take. Reflecting on their decade-long partnership, Smith described Qerim as a "friend" and praised her for elevating the show. "She’s hosted First Take for 10 years and elevated the show with her grace, her expertise, her incomparable kindness. She’s been an enormous part of our success for a decade. Not only did she keep me and many others in line, she did it with dignity, class, and kindness, to say the least. We’ll miss her," Smith said, as reported by the New York Daily News.
Smith later elaborated on his own radio show, revealing that Qerim’s resignation was abrupt and that her decision followed ongoing contract negotiations. "Last night, she abruptly resigned as the host of the show. And to say that I'm quite sad about it is an understatement. Molly is a friend, Molly is a co-worker. Molly is somebody that I have leaned on on many occasions in the past, as she has done when it comes to me. We have been partners on the show for the last 10 years. And, a lot of times some of these things happen, and it's just uncomfortable to see. The details, quite frankly, are none of ya'll business, but it's not as if I know all the details. There was a contract negotiation that was going on. ESPN certainly did not want to lose her, but in the end, she made a decision to walk away from the show, effective immediately."
Qerim’s gratitude for her time at ESPN was palpable in her farewell message. "I’m so grateful for what this journey has given me: lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and the chance to be part of something truly special. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for welcoming me into your homes," she wrote on Instagram.
Her academic credentials are as impressive as her on-air presence. Qerim is a Connecticut native who graduated from the University of Connecticut before earning a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Quinnipiac University. These roots in the Northeast helped shape her perspective and work ethic, which she brought to every broadcast, whether covering major collegiate events or the daily debates of First Take.
Qerim’s exit comes at a time when First Take remains one of ESPN’s flagship shows, known for its spirited discussions and star-studded guest list. Her ability to mediate between strong personalities and keep the conversation engaging without letting it spiral off the rails has been widely credited for the show’s enduring popularity. As USA Today noted, Qerim’s influence extended beyond the desk; she became a role model for aspiring sports journalists and broadcasters, particularly women navigating a male-dominated industry.
Despite the outpouring of tributes and well-wishes, Qerim has remained tight-lipped about her future plans. The only hint she offered—"Stay tuned"—has sparked a wave of speculation about where she might land next. Will she return to network television, dive into digital media, or perhaps pursue opportunities outside of sports broadcasting? For now, her next chapter remains a mystery, but her legacy at ESPN is secure.
As the end of 2025 approaches, colleagues, fans, and industry observers alike will be watching closely to see how First Take evolves without the steady presence of Molly Qerim. Her departure marks the end of an era, but also the beginning of new possibilities—both for Qerim and for the show she helped shape into a sports media institution.
With gratitude from all corners of the sports world, Molly Qerim steps away from the bright lights of First Take, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism, kindness, and indelible impact.
