Could Ryan Clark be on the way out of ESPN? A cryptic message on his X account reveals that his last extension left him wanting more and that he could leave the Worldwide Leader after almost a decade with the company.
“This started three years ago,” Clark says in the video. “[Clark’s deal with ESPN] wasn’t what [he] wanted. I realized I had to do more. Honestly, I felt played. I felt like I deserved something that they didn’t feel like I deserved. And I said, ‘In three years, I’ll be the best in the world doing this, that there will be no stone left unturned, I’ll leave no doubt that there was nobody in the world that was like me.’ I went on every show they put me on and made sure I crushed. So now here we are again, the season’s over, Inside the NFL is finished, and someone’s gotta pay the piper.”
Like any good aggressive safety, ESPN puts Clark everywhere on the field, from focused appearances on NFL Live and SportsCenter to starring in variety shows like First Take and Get Up. He even co-hosts an MMA show alongside former UFC champion Daniel Cormier called DC & RC. Clark’s breadth of knowledge across multiple sports is apparent and something that he could lean into in his next deal at ESPN or elsewhere.
Among the many other duties on Clark’s plate includes the lead host role on The CW’s Inside the NFL, where he drives the show. Clark said in an interview with Dan Patrick that he was excited to break free of the analyst role and “do something different” with his broadcast career. Clark also hosts The Pivot Podcast with former NFL players Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder.
Near the end of his social media video, Clark discusses his original mindset that he would, “work harder than anyone else,” but that eventually, you just can’t do it anymore, and it certainly sounds like one of Clark’s many projects could be on the chopping block.
“What I realized is, you only got so much to give, and all you can give is all the energy that God gives you,” Clark said. “And I did that, but I also learned that you run out. And at some point, you don’t have nothing left. I’d do whatever it took to get what I want, and that I’d work harder and longer now to work less and make more then. And I felt like I put myself in that spot. So, the hope is the next time you see me, wherever that may be, that all the decisions I made turned into me getting everything I want and working a little less. If that happens, you’ll still be seeing me, maybe not as much, but probably a little more rested and happier.”
In closing, Clark looks into the camera and reaffirms his longtime career goal.
“But one thing don’t change — I still want to be the best doing it. That’s always the goal. And it should be yours, too.”
