Cam Newton reportedly cut from ESPN in wider sports media layoffs
TMZ Sports says Cam Newton is out at ESPN after joining in 2024, as Ryan Clark, Karl Ravech and several NFL Network staffers were also cut.
By Bianca Rossi · Entertainment Editor
2 min read
Cam Newton’s run at ESPN has reportedly been cut short, with TMZ Sports saying the former NFL MVP was laid off this week as the network continues a broader round of talent reductions.
OutKick first reported Newton’s departure, according to TMZ Sports. The move comes less than two years after Newton joined ESPN in late 2024 and became a regular presence during football season.
TMZ Sports, citing its sources, reported that Newton had been used opposite Stephen A. Smith on “First Take,” where he served as Smith’s main debate partner during the NFL season. That role became more prominent after Shannon Sharpe left ESPN last year, according to the report.
Newton’s exit is one of several notable cuts connected to ESPN and NFL Network, TMZ Sports reported. ESPN owns and operates NFL Network, according to the outlet.
Ryan Clark was also laid off, TMZ Sports reported, with the outlet saying his exit happened during “NFL Live.” The report also named longtime broadcaster Karl Ravech among those affected.
Several NFL Network employees were cut as well, according to TMZ Sports. The outlet identified NFL analyst Charles Davis and reporter Tom Pelissero as among the staffers let go.
Newton’s short ESPN stint
Newton arrived at ESPN after a high-profile NFL career that included a league MVP award. TMZ Sports reported that he earned more than $133 million during his time as an NFL player.
At ESPN, Newton became part of the network’s debate-heavy football programming. His placement across from Smith on “First Take” put him in one of ESPN’s most visible daily sports slots during the season.
The reported cut removes one of the network’s biggest-name former players from its on-air roster. TMZ Sports described Newton as arguably the biggest name included in the current round of layoffs.
Newton is not without media work outside ESPN. TMZ Sports reported that he hosts two podcasts, “4th & 1” and “Funky Friday.”
Layoffs hit familiar faces
The reported departures point to a wide sweep across ESPN’s football coverage and the NFL Network operation. Clark, Ravech, Davis and Pelissero are all familiar names to sports viewers, though their roles differ across studio, play-by-play, analysis and reporting.
TMZ Sports reported that the cuts are ongoing, suggesting Newton may not be the final high-profile departure tied to this layoff round.
ESPN’s talent changes have already reshaped some of its biggest football programming. Sharpe’s departure last year opened the lane for Newton to take on a larger “First Take” role with Smith, according to TMZ Sports. Now Newton is reportedly out as well.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.