Molly Qerim is leaving ESPN’s First Take after hosting the program for 10 years.
The 41-year-old TV personality issued a statement Tuesday on her Instagram Story to share the news. She will depart at the end of the year.
“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 expressed her gratitude for her colleagues and the monumental experiences she’s had because of the morning show, which she co-hosts with Stephen A. Smith.
“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,” she added. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you for welcoming me into your homes.”
“Stay tuned,” she added with a smiley face, seemingly hinting that she’ll soon reveal her next career move.
Before joining First Take, she contributed to ESPN’s digital and mobile platforms from 2006 to 2010, hosting College Football Live and Fantasy Football Now. She left the network in 2010, before returning five years later to host First Take.
ESPN responded to Qerim’s news on social media Tuesday, sharing a statement from ESPN President of Content, Burke Magnus.
“Molly has been an integral part of ESPN since 2006 and a key driver of First Take’s success since joining as a host a decade ago,” his statement reads. “She elevated the show with her poise, skill, and professionalism while supporting others as a kind and encouraging teammate. We respect Molly’s decision, wish her the best in the future, and thank her for her extraordinary daily commitment to sports fans and ESPN.”
Qerim’s announcement comes after a Sports Business Journal report shared Monday said she’d be leaving the show. Sources told the publication that ESPN offered her a contract, but she chose not to take it.
Before working on First Take, Qerim was an anchor and reporter for CBS Sports Network and the host of the NFL’s shows, NFL AM and NFL Fantasy Live.
Earlier this year, ESPN cut ties with First Take’s Shannon Sharpe following a $50 million lawsuit accusing him of rape.
In the lawsuit, a woman using the pseudonym “Jane Doe” accused Sharpe of a litany of offenses, including sexual battery and assault. However, Sharpe denied these claims before a settlement was reached in July, and the case was dismissed.
He later addressed his exit from the show on an episode of his podcast, Nightcap. “I'm sure everybody's heard the news by now that I will not be returning to ESPN,” Sharpe said at the time.
“I really enjoyed my time at ESPN, they gave me an opportunity to bring my audience that saw me really just grow,” he added. “They did what they felt they needed to do, I’m at peace with that.”
