NFL analyst ‘fired from $2m-a-year ESPN job during show’

Ryan Clark has reportedly been fired during an NFL Live show because ESPN feared news of his departure would be leaked.

Analyst and Super Bowl champion Clark, who has been with the organization for more than 10 years, was told of the decision during filming on Monday following media enquiries about his future, The Athletic has cited sources to have said.

The outlet, who put Clark’s salary at more than $2 million, said the 46-year-old did not finish the broadcast following a move partly made because of “issues with some of his choices”.

Thank you, Tom Brady. 🫱🏼‍🫲🏾

I’ve been saying it for years: Aaron Rodgers is the greatest thrower of the football this game has ever seen.

When I said @AaronRodgers12 was the most gifted QB of his generation, folks argued. Now the 🐐 says the same thing.

I’m just an old free… pic.twitter.com/nwYW6kqiXY

— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) July 20, 2026

Ryan Clark ‘fired by ESPN’

ESPN reportedly planned to inform Clark of their choice on Tuesday morning but acted more urgently because they did not want him to find out through online reports.

Clark had not publicly responded to the report on Tuesday morning, with his most recent social media post praising NFL legend Tom Brady’s assertion that Aaron Rodgers’ throws are unparalleled in the game.

“I’ve been saying it for years,” wrote Clark, sharing a clip from his podcast, The Pivot. “Aaron Rodgers is the greatest thrower of the football this game has ever seen.”

When I said Aaron Rodgers was the most gifted quarterback of his generation, folks argued. Now [Brady] says the same thing.

“I’m just an old free safety… but I know greatness when I see it.”

Ryan Clark: ESPN history

After ending his playing career in 2014, Clark joined ESPN in February 2015 and has become a regular on its NFL shows.

During successful contract negotiations in 2024, Clark said he was “so grateful for more time” when he had signed his previous extension in 2021.

“Love the work I do,” Clark said on social media after working on the most prestigious match in the sport in February.

“Super Bowl was the dopest. Outfit changes, good vibes, and great people.”

Ryan Clark NFL stats

A college footballer for Louisiana, Clark joined the New York Giants as a free agent in 2002 and spent a season with the Washington Redskins from 2004.

He signed for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2006 and won Super Bowl XLIII, as well as featuring in their Super Bowl XLV defeat to the Green Bay Packers.

The Redskins signed Clark again for a season in 2014. Here are his key accolades during his 13-year senior playing career.