{"id":67843,"date":"2025-09-16T16:03:08","date_gmt":"2025-09-16T16:03:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/67843\/"},"modified":"2025-09-16T16:03:08","modified_gmt":"2025-09-16T16:03:08","slug":"molly-qerim-host-of-espns-first-take-for-10-years-announces-departure-from-network","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/67843\/","title":{"rendered":"Molly Qerim, host of ESPN\u2019s \u2018First Take\u2019 for 10 years, announces departure from network"},"content":{"rendered":"

Molly Qerim, the host of ESPN\u2019s morning show \u201cFirst Take\u201d with Stephen A. Smith, is departing the network at the end of the year after spending a decade as host, she announced Monday night.<\/p>\n

Qerim, 41, was reportedly offered a new contract by ESPN, but she opted to move on, according to a report<\/a> by Sports Business Journal. Qerim has worked at the network since 2006, first working on digital and mobile platforms.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter much reflection, I\u2019ve decided it\u2019s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take,\u201d Qerim wrote via a post on her Instagram story. \u201cHosting this show has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Every morning, I had the privilege of sharing the desk with some of the most brilliant, passionate, and entertaining voices in sports \u2014 and with all of you, the best fans in the world.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so grateful for what this journey has given me: lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and the chance to be part of something truly special. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for welcoming me into your homes.\u201d<\/p>\n

On Tuesday morning, Smith kicked off the show by sharing a heartfelt message with viewers.<\/p>\n

\u201cNormally, our friend Molly Qerim would greet you. However, Molly announced last night she will be departing from ESPN. She\u2019s hosted First Take for 10 years and elevated the show with her grace, her expertise and her incomparable kindness. \u2026 We\u2019ll miss her and wish her every blessing on her future.<\/p>\n

\u201cI personally am grateful to her for her friendship, and I will miss spending every weekday morning with her right by my side.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

Stephen A. Smith: “Good morning and welcome to First Take. Normally, our friend Molly Qerim would greet you. However, Molly announced last night she will be departing from ESPN. She’s hosted First Take for 10 years and elevated the show with her grace, her expertise and her\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/2aAmG8d2N7<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 16, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Burke Magnus, ESPN\u2019s president of content, posted to X<\/a>, thanking Qerim for her time at the network.<\/p>\n

\u201cMolly has been an integral part of ESPN since 2006 and a key driver of First Take\u2019s success since joining as a host decades ago,\u201d he wrote. \u201cShe elevated the show with her poise, skill and professionalism, while supporting others as a kind and encouraging teammate.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qerim joined ESPN in 2006 and stayed at the network for four years, hosting college football and fantasy football shows. After stops at CBS Sports, covering college football and basketball, and the NFL Network, she covered many major sporting events, like the Super Bowl.<\/p>\n

After returning to ESPN, she was a fill-in host on \u201cFirst Take\u201d before becoming the permanent host in 2015, when the network paired her with long-time analyst Stephen A. Smith. In 2023, the two-hour show achieved its most-watched year to date.<\/p>\n

Earlier this year, Qerim opened up about<\/a> her ongoing battle with endometriosis, which the World Health Organization describes as \u201ca disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qerim\u2019s next move is unclear, but the Connecticut native concluded her Instagram post with \u201cStay tuned,\u201d indicating she may have an announcement coming soon.<\/p>\n

(Photo: Paras Griffin \/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n