Archive · 21 Jul 2026
ESPN Layoffs: Ryan Clark Fired Amid Second Round
ESPN, a sports network owned by Disney, recently laid off Ryan Clark, a former NFL player and analyst who had been with the network for 11 years.
Clark was earning $2 million annually and was informed about his termination during a live show, which he found disrespectful.
This is part of a second round of layoffs at ESPN, which is also cutting roles at the NFL Network, which ESPN acquired earlier this year.
Clark had been in the spotlight due to a public re-negotiation of his contract after the Super Bowl.
He expressed gratitude for his time at ESPN but also felt he deserved more.
ESPN declined to comment on the layoffs.
ESPN laid off NFL analyst Ryan Clark on 20 July 2024.
Clark was informed during a live show, which he found disrespectful.
This is part of a second round of layoffs at ESPN.
ESPN is also cutting roles at the NFL Network, which it acquired in February.
Clark had been with ESPN for 11 years and earned $2 million annually.
- Who
- Ryan Clark, ESPN, Disney, NFL Network
- What
- Layoffs at ESPN including Ryan Clark
- When
- 20 July 2024
- Where
- ESPN headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut
- Why
- ESPN is looking to cut roles, including on-air personnel, as part of a second round of layoffs.
ESPN's Perspective
Ryan Clark's Perspective
Timing of Layoffs
ESPN's Perspective
ESPN wanted to inform Ryan Clark privately to avoid leaks.
Ryan Clark's Perspective
Ryan Clark was informed during a live show, which he found disrespectful.
Contract Renegotiation
ESPN's Perspective
ESPN may have had concerns about Clark's performance or value.
Ryan Clark's Perspective
Ryan Clark felt he had proven his worth and deserved a better deal.
- Date of Layoff
- 20 July 2024
- Annual Salary
- $2 million
- Years at ESPN
- 11 years
- NFL Teams Played For
- New York Giants, Washington Redskins, Pittsburgh Steelers
- Notable Shows
- Monday Night Countdown, First Take, Get Up
- Podcast
- The Pivot
- ESPN Owner
- Disney
- NFL Network Deal
- $3 billion