ESPN has cut ties with former Pittsburgh Steelers safety and current analyst Ryan Clark. Per The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand, ESPN has moved on from Clark after spending a decade with the network.
“ESPN has cut ties with NFL analyst Ryan Clark, sources briefed on the move told The Athletic,” Marchand wrote Monday evening.
Layoffs were expected throughout the company. In June, Front Office Sports’ Ryan Glasspiegel reported the company was set to cut ties with on-air and behind-the-scenes talent. Clark seems to be part of the rollbacks, although he’s unlikely to be the sole on-air talent to be let go. Marchand notes more layoffs are expected later this week.
Clark dabbled in broadcasting before his NFL career ended and joined ESPN in 2015. He was central to the team’s football coverage and frequent guest on its mainstay shows: NFL Live, SportsCenter, Get Up, and First Take. He appeared on the network as recently as last week, offering a bleak outlook for Pittsburgh’s 2026 prospects.
Perhaps Clark’s most memorable moments came with his remarks after Buffalo Bills’ S Damar Hamlin’s near-death moment during a 2023 game.
Clark often spoke about the Steelers and the team’s recent struggles to win a playoff game. He repeatedly called on Mike Tomlin and the Steelers to part ways and for both to enjoy a fresh start. Now, ESPN is parting ways with Clark.
Should be continue to pursue a broadcasting career, Clark should find work elsewhere. He’s previously made appearances on other networks, hosting Inside The NFL on The CW. At the least, Clark will likely tweet his thoughts on the Steelers and NFL at-large, especially for the beginning of the Mike McCarthy era.
Undrafted in 2002, Clark signed with the Steelers in 2006. Pairing perfectly with Troy Polamalu, Clark spent eight years in Pittsburgh and started on the team’s 2008 Super Bowl winning squad. He started 109 games for the Steelers, recording 667 tackles, 12 interceptions, and three forced fumbles. He was known for his vicious hit power, including a major collision with Baltimore Ravens RB Willis McGahee during the 2008 AFC Championship Game.
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