Molly Qerim has announced she is leaving ESPN after 10 years as the host of First Take, marking the end of a defining chapter for one of the most recognizable shows in sports media. The news broke Monday night when Qerim revealed her decision to step away, and on Tuesday morning, Stephen A. Smith opened the show with a heartfelt farewell to his longtime colleague.
Qerim has been with ESPN since 2006 and joined First Take in 2015, where she quickly became a steady presence amid the debates and heated exchanges that defined the program. Her ability to guide conversations, keep the show moving, and balance strong personalities made her one of the most respected hosts in sports television. In her own statement, Qerim called hosting the show one of the greatest honors of her career. She thanked viewers and colleagues for their support and reflected on the friendships she had built. She also admitted that the announcement came earlier than she intended and not in the way she hoped, though she stopped short of outlining what comes next for her career.
On Tuesday’s broadcast, Smith addressed the news directly, telling viewers that First Take was different without Qerim at the desk. “Normally, our friend Molly Qerim would greet you. However, Molly announced last night she will be departing from ESPN,” Smith said. He praised her for elevating the program with her grace, expertise, and kindness, calling her an enormous part of the show’s success for the past decade. Smith added that she kept him and others in line with dignity and class, and closed by thanking her for her friendship.
Qerim’s departure raises immediate questions for ESPN. The host’s role on First Take is critical, not only in managing Smith but in making sure the conversations remain engaging and on track. Whoever replaces her will step into one of the most high-profile positions in sports broadcasting, one that demands both authority and presence. For viewers who have tuned in daily for years, it will be a significant adjustment.
For ESPN, the change is part of a broader reshuffling in sports media as networks adapt to shifting audiences and competition from digital platforms. For Qerim, it opens the door to a new chapter after a decade at the center of one of ESPN’s most visible programs. Her next move remains unknown, but her impact on First Take will be lasting.
