New ESPN NFL talking head Steve Smith is off to a quick start with his new network after filling in for the recently laid off Ryan Clark following ESPN's merger with NFL Network
Steve Smith
Steve Smith is a new fixture on ESPN programming(Image: Getty Images)
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ESPN acquired NFL Network in 2026 in a swap that gave the league an official stake in ESPN. The move, which cost ESPN $3 billion, came with a round of layoffs.
Ryan Clark joined ESPN in 2015 after retiring from the NFL and served as a mainstay for the network on hit shows like 'NFL Live,' 'Get Up, 'First Take,' and others. He was one of the biggest names let go in the recent round of cuts.
In his place is five-time Pro Bowl receiver Steve Smith Sr, who served as an analyst on NFL Network since 2017 and famously coined Cleveland Browns wideout Jerry Jeudy as a "JAG" (just a guy).
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Smith started his new gig on Thursday and commented on everything from Shedeur Sanders and the Cleveland Browns QB battle, Drew Allar's preseason debut for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Kansas City Chiefs receiver room.
So far, fans on X are impressed. "Liking Steve Smith Sr in new role on ESPN so far. Keeping it a buck always which I mean I expected but it’s refreshing seeing a player not try and defend players just cause they former players if they deserve praise they get it and if they deserve criticism they get it [sic]," one tweeted.
Steve Smith
Ryan Clark tackling Steve Smith in a 2014 NFL preseason game(Image: Getty Images)
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"I’m here for it, I like espn putting Steve Smith Sr. on first take," another wrote. "Yeeeeeeeah I need Steve Smith to be on ESPN First Take more," a different viewer agreed.
One noted that most in his role — Cam Newton, Ryan Clark, and others — eventually get laid off. "Steve Smith was doing fine on the nfl network you brought up --- to espn to get fired a few years from now smh," they said.
"Steve Smith Sr, better get off ESPN making sense and logical takes ESPN wants misinformed clickbait hot takes!" another warned.
Steelers rookie third-round pick Allar completed 10 of 13 passes for 153 passing yards and two touchdowns in his preseason debut, prompting some to say he should start over Aaron Rodgers.
Smith provided a balanced take on 'First Take.' "You want to be able to develop a guy who can sit and watch," Smith said about Allar. "Whether you like Aaron Rodgers or not...Aaron Rodgers is going to mentor him."
"Every question, every statement, everything he says in a room, everybody's listening. So, this whole narrative that Aaron Rodgers is not a very friendly person, I think it's hogwash"
" He is a guy, and he has changed, and he also understands what this can do for the Pittsburgh Steelers overall when he can sit back. We all want to sit back and say, 'I helped that kid here.' And he has an opportunity to help a kid just like Jordan Love."