New York, September 16, 2025 –
In a move that’s sending shockwaves through sports media, Molly Qerim, the poised and unflappable host of ESPN’s First Take, announced her departure from the network today, capping a 10-year run that transformed the debate show into a cultural juggernaut. At 41, Qerim – a Connecticut native and UConn alum – steps away from the desk she’s commanded since 2015, leaving fans, colleagues, and even her on-air sparring partner Stephen A. Smith grappling with the void.
As rumors swirl about her next chapter, this exit isn’t just a goodbye; it’s a testament to the fleeting nature of TV stardom in an era of cord-cutting and content wars.
The Announcement: Grace Under the Spotlight
Qerim broke the news via an emotional Instagram Story early Tuesday, penning a heartfelt reflection that read like a mic-drop moment: “After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take. 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 signed off with a teasing “Stay tuned,” hinting at bigger things ahead without spilling the beans.The timing? Eerily poetic. It marks exactly 10 years to the day since she was named permanent host on September 15, 2015.
Reports from Sports Business Journal, which first leaked the story Monday night, confirm she’ll exit ESPN entirely by year’s end, despite a lucrative contract offer from the network.
ESPN President of Content Burke Magnus didn’t mince words in his tribute: “Molly has been an integral part of ESPN since 2006 and a key driver of First Take’s success… She elevated the show with her poise, skill and professionalism, while supporting others as a kind and encouraging teammate.”
From Sidelines to Center Stage: Qerim’s ESPN Odyssey
Qerim’s journey with ESPN reads like a masterclass in reinvention. She first joined the Bristol behemoth in 2006, fresh out of UConn with a broadcast journalism degree, diving into digital and mobile content before anchoring College Football Live and Fantasy Football Now.
A brief hiatus from 2010 to 2015 saw her shine at CBS Sports and NFL Network, but her return to ESPN in 2015 as interim First Take host – replacing Cari Champion – was destiny.Under her steady hand, First Take evolved from a niche debate hour into ESPN’s ratings powerhouse, averaging over 500,000 viewers daily and spawning viral moments that dominate social feeds. She’s moderated epic clashes between Smith, Max Kellerman (RIP to that duo’s fireworks), and later Shannon Sharpe, whose July exit amid a settled sexual assault lawsuit added to the show’s summer turbulence.
Qerim’s superpower? Keeping the chaos classy – think Super Bowl sidelines, NBA Finals coverage, and MLB insights delivered with sharp wit and zero tolerance for hot air.Off-air, she’s a force: married to former NFL player and actor Jalen Rose since 2016, she’s balanced family life with philanthropy, including women’s empowerment initiatives. Her net worth, pegged at around $5 million, reflects savvy branding beyond the booth.
The On-Air Send-Off: Stephen A.’s Cryptic Tribute
Tuesday’s First Take opened with an empty host chair and a visibly moved Stephen A. Smith, who turned to the camera: “Normally, our friend Molly Qerim would greet you. However, Molly announced last night she will be departing from ESPN.”
He lauded her “dignity, class, and kindness,” adding, “She has been an enormous part of our success for a decade… We’ll miss her and wish her every blessing on her future.”
But Smith couldn’t resist a tease. When pressed on The Stephen A. Smith Show about why she’s leaving, he quipped, “That story is for her to tell. Do I have an idea? Of course I do. Am I gonna share it with you? No.”
Cue the speculation: Podcast pivot? Fox Sports poach? Hollywood producing gig? X users are buzzing – one viral clip has 70K+ views, with replies ranging from “Joy Taylor next?” to “This feels fishy… what’s the real tea?”
Fan Frenzy and Industry Ripples: A Trending Tempest
The news hit X like a Hail Mary. Hashtags #ThankYouMolly and #FirstTakeFarewell are exploding, with posts like “Molly carried that show with grace – Stephen A. who?” racking up thousands of likes.
Connecticut pride is real too – the Hartford Courant hailed her as “CT’s own,” while national outlets from HuffPost to USA Today dissect the “shocking” void she’ll leave. 2 sourcesFor ESPN, it’s another pivot point. First Take – now a multi-platform beast on ESPN+, YouTube, and linear TV – faces its biggest shakeup since Skip Bayless bolted in 2016. Will a rotating host carousel (enter: Elle Duncan? Chiney Ogwumike?) keep the momentum? Or is this the cue for a full reboot?Qerim’s departure underscores a broader media shift: Talents aren’t tethered anymore. In a landscape dominated by Amazon Prime, Netflix docs, and TikTok takes, her exit signals savvy – bet on her landing a hybrid role blending TV, podcasts, and production. As one X pundit put it: “Molly’s too sharp for just a desk. This is her glow-up.”
The Final Buzzer: Legacy Over Limelight
Molly Qerim didn’t just host First Take; she humanized it, turning shoutfests into smart discourse. As she trades the green room for whatever’s next, sports fans are left with gratitude – and a million “what ifs.” In her words: “Thank you for letting me be part of your mornings.”
What’s your hottest First Take memory? And who fills Molly’s shoes? Drop your takes below – no hot air, please.
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