After a decade of steering ESPN’s flagship debate program First Take, Molly Qerim has officially decided to step away from the desk. The news, which sent shockwaves through the sports media world, was confirmed on Tuesday morning by her longtime co-host, Stephen A. Smith.
The initial report came late Monday evening when Austin Karp of Sports Business Journal revealed that Qerim would depart at the end of 2025. However, Smith clarified that fans wouldn’t be seeing her on air again. Instead of closing out the year, Qerim abruptly resigned, making her exit effective immediately.
“Last night she abruptly resigned as the host of the show. And to say that I’m quite sad about it is an understatement,” Smith told viewers. “Molly is a friend. Molly is a co-worker. Molly is somebody that I have leaned on on many occasions in the past, as she has done when it comes to me. We have been partners on this show for the last 10 years. And a lot of times when things like this happen, it’s just uncomfortable to see.”
Smith went on to share that negotiations between Qerim and ESPN had been ongoing prior to her decision. While the network was reportedly eager to keep her, the two sides could not come to terms. “The details, quite frankly, are none of y’all business,” Smith added with a smile, “but it’s not as if I know every detail. What I do know is there was a contract negotiation. ESPN certainly did not want to lose her, but in the end she made a decision to walk away from the show — effective immediately.”
Qerim, 41, has been a fixture on ESPN for nearly two decades. She first joined the network in 2006, left briefly, and then returned in 2015 to take over as the full-time moderator of First Take. Over the years, she became a household name and a steadying presence opposite Smith and a rotating cast of analysts.
In a heartfelt Instagram statement, Qerim addressed her departure and thanked fans who tuned in every morning. “After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take,” she wrote. “Hosting 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 — and with all of you, the best fans in the world.”
She continued, “I’m 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.”
What comes next for Qerim remains a mystery. She has not announced whether she plans to join another network or step back from sports media altogether. Away from television, she has remained deeply involved in philanthropy as an ambassador for the Boys and Girls Club of America and the Innocence Project. With those commitments, it’s possible she’ll shift her focus toward advocacy and community work rather than immediately pursuing her next on-air role.
Regardless of her next move, Qerim leaves behind a legacy as one of the most recognizable and respected hosts in sports television. For millions of viewers, mornings on ESPN simply won’t feel the same without her at the desk.
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