The sports media world was stunned when Molly Qerim announced her departure from ESPN’s flagship morning show “First Take” on September 16, 2025. For fans wondering why Molly left First Take, the answer involves contract negotiations, personal reflection, and a decade-long journey that has come to an unexpected end. After hosting alongside Stephen A. Smith since 2015, Qerim’s sudden exit has left viewers searching for answers about what really happened behind the scenes at the sports network.
The announcement came as a shock to both fans and colleagues, with Molly Qerim confirming the news through an emotional Instagram post after reports from Sports Business Journal broke the story earlier than she intended. Her departure marks the end of an era for First Take, one of ESPN’s most popular and controversial debate shows that has become a cornerstone of sports television programming.
The Breaking News: How Molly Qerim’s Departure Was Revealed
Initial Reports and Confirmation
The story of why did Molly leave First Take began to unfold on Monday evening when Sports Business Journal first reported that Qerim will depart at the end of the year, citing sources that said she rejected a contract offer to remain. However, the situation took an unexpected turn when Stephen A. Smith revealed additional details during Tuesday’s show.
According to Smith’s on-air comments, “Last night she abruptly resigned” from the network, contradicting earlier reports that suggested she would finish out the year. This revelation added another layer of complexity to understanding the real reasons behind her departure.
Molly’s Emotional Statement
Molly Qerim addressed the situation directly through her Instagram story, explaining that “the news came out earlier than I intended, and not in the way I hoped”. Her full statement revealed the personal nature of her decision: “After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take”.
The longtime ESPN host described her time on the show as “one of the greatest honors of my career”, indicating that her departure wasn’t due to any negative feelings toward the program or network.
Why Did Molly Leave First Take? The Contract Negotiation Factor
ESPN’s Efforts to Retain Her
One of the primary factors in understanding why did Molly leave First Take relates to contract negotiations that were ongoing between Qerim and ESPN. Stephen A. Smith provided crucial insight into these discussions, stating that “ESPN certainly did not want to lose her. But in the end, she made a decision to walk away from the show effective immediately”.
This revelation suggests that the network valued Molly Qerim’s contributions to First Take and made efforts to keep her on board. The fact that ESPN actively pursued her retention indicates that her departure wasn’t due to any performance issues or network dissatisfaction with her work.
The Decision to Walk Away
Smith also emphasized that “it was a contract negotiation that was going on”, but ultimately Qerim chose to leave despite ESPN’s desire to keep her. This decision appears to have been entirely Molly’s choice, rather than a mutual parting or network decision.
The First Take co-host admitted that the departure “came as a shock” even to him, suggesting that the decision was made relatively quickly and wasn’t something that had been publicly discussed or anticipated by those closest to the show.
Molly Qerim’s Journey at ESPN: A Decade of Success
Early Career and Path to First Take
To fully understand why did Molly leave First Take, it’s important to examine her remarkable journey at ESPN. Qerim started at ESPN back in 2006 and has been one of the main faces on First Take since 2015, building a career that spanned nearly two decades at the network.
Before becoming the face of First Take, Molly Qerim worked in various roles across different shows and networks. She previously hosted NFL Network’s weekday morning show, NFL AM, and NFL Fantasy Live, demonstrating her versatility and expertise in sports broadcasting.
The First Take Era
Molly Qerim’s tenure as First Take host began in 2015, when she took over moderating duties for the debate show. Her role involved managing heated discussions between Stephen A. Smith and various co-hosts and guests, requiring exceptional skill in maintaining show flow while allowing for passionate sports debates.
During her 10-year run with Stephen A. Smith on the sports network’s signature morning show, Qerim became known for her professional demeanour, quick wit, and ability to handle controversial topics with grace. Her presence helped stabilize the show during various co-host changes and contributed to First Take’s continued success as one of ESPN’s most popular programs.
The Personal Side: Why Did Molly Leave First Take?
Time for Personal Reflection
Beyond contract negotiations, Molly Qerim’s departure appears to stem from personal considerations and life reflection. In her statement, she mentioned that “After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter”, suggesting that her decision was based on personal growth and career evolution rather than external pressures.
This type of decision is not uncommon for long-term television personalities who may feel ready for new challenges after achieving significant success in their current role. Qerim’s decade-long commitment to First Take represents a substantial portion of her career, and her desire to explore new opportunities is understandable.
Professional Fulfilment and Future Goals
The question of why did Molly leave First Take may also relate to her sense of professional fulfillment and future career aspirations. Having successfully established herself as one of the most recognisable faces in sports media, Qerim may be seeking new challenges or opportunities that weren’t available while committed to the daily demands of hosting First Take.
Her emotional departure statement emphasized gratitude rather than dissatisfaction, suggesting that she leaves ESPN on positive terms and with a sense of accomplishment regarding her contributions to the network and show.
Stephen A. Smith’s Perspective on the Departure
Shock and Support from Co-Host
Stephen A. Smith’s reaction to Molly Qerim’s departure provides additional insight into why did Molly leave First Take. His admission that the news “came as a shock” indicates that even those closest to the show weren’t fully prepared for her decision.
Smith’s comments also reveal his respect for Qerim’s decision-making autonomy, acknowledging that while ESPN wanted to retain her, ultimately “she made a decision to walk away”. This perspective suggests that the departure was handled professionally and with mutual respect between all parties involved.
The Immediate Impact on First Take
With Molly Qerim’s immediate resignation, First Take faces the challenge of finding a replacement who can match her expertise and chemistry with Stephen A. Smith. The show’s format relies heavily on skilled moderation to manage debates and maintain audience engagement, making her departure a significant operational challenge for ESPN.
Industry Reactions and Fan Response
Sports Media Community Response
The announcement of Molly Qerim’s departure has generated significant discussion within the sports media community. Industry professionals have recognized her contributions to First Take and acknowledged the challenge ESPN faces in replacing such an experienced and skilled host.
Her departure also highlights broader trends in sports media, where established personalities are increasingly willing to explore new opportunities and career directions, even when leaving successful shows and secure positions.
Fan Reactions and Social Media
Fans of First Take have expressed surprise and disappointment at Qerim’s departure, with many taking to social media to share their appreciation for her work on the show. The question why did Molly leave First Take has trended across various platforms as viewers seek to understand the reasoning behind her decision.
The overwhelming fan response has been positive, with many expressing gratitude for her years of professional hosting and wishing her well in future endeavors.
The Future of First Take Without Molly Qerim
Challenges in Finding a Replacement
ESPN now faces the significant challenge of finding a suitable replacement for Molly Qerim on First Take. The ideal candidate will need to possess similar skills in managing heated debates, maintaining show flow, and developing chemistry with Stephen A. Smith and regular guests.
The network’s decision-making process will likely consider both internal candidates who are familiar with ESPN’s culture and external options who might bring fresh perspectives to the show.
Maintaining Show Quality and Ratings
First Take’s continued success will depend largely on how well ESPN manages this transition period. Molly Qerim’s departure represents a significant change for loyal viewers who have become accustomed to her hosting style and presence on the show.
The network will need to ensure that any new host can maintain the show’s energy, professionalism, and ability to generate engaging sports discussions that have made First Take a cornerstone of ESPN’s programming lineup.
What’s Next for Molly Qerim?
Career Opportunities and Speculation
While Molly Qerim hasn’t announced her next career move, speculation about her future opportunities has already begun. Her experience and reputation in sports media make her an attractive candidate for various networks and media companies looking to strengthen their sports programming.
Her departure from ESPN opens possibilities for roles at competing networks, digital media platforms, or even opportunities outside traditional sports broadcasting that might align with her personal and professional goals.
Maintaining Industry Relationships
Despite leaving First Take, Qerim’s professional relationships within the sports media industry remain strong. Her amicable departure from ESPN and positive statements about her experience suggest that she maintains good relationships with colleagues and network executives.
These relationships could prove valuable as she explores new opportunities and considers her next career moves in the competitive sports media landscape.
The Broader Impact on Sports Media
Industry Trends and Movement
Molly Qerim’s departure reflects broader trends in sports media, where established personalities are increasingly willing to leave successful shows in pursuit of new opportunities or better work-life balance. This trend has been observed across various networks and has been observed in recent years.
Her decision also highlights the evolving nature of sports media careers, where professionals are less likely to remain with a single network for their entire careers and are more willing to explore diverse opportunities across different platforms and media formats.
Network Competition for Talent
Qerim’s availability on the job market represents an opportunity for competing networks to acquire proven talent with established audience appeal. Her experience with First Take demonstrates her ability to handle high-pressure, live television environments while maintaining professionalism and engaging viewers.
The competition for her services could influence salary standards and contract terms across the sports media industry, particularly for experienced hosts with proven track records.
Lessons Learned from Molly’s Departure
The Importance of Personal Fulfilment
The story of why did Molly leave First Take serves as a reminder that professional success doesn’t automatically guarantee personal fulfillment. Despite achieving significant success in her role, Qerim chose to pursue new opportunities that better align with her current life goals and aspirations.
This decision demonstrates the importance of periodically evaluating career satisfaction and being willing to make difficult changes when personal growth requires new challenges.
Network Talent Management
ESPN’s experience with Molly Qerim’s departure also provides lessons about talent management and retention. While the network apparently made efforts to keep her, her decision to leave suggests that successful retention strategies must consider factors beyond compensation, including personal fulfilment and career development opportunities.
Conclusion
The question why did Molly leave First Take has a multifaceted answer involving contract negotiations, personal reflection, and career evolution. After much reflection, she decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and pursue new opportunities outside ESPN. Her departure represents the end of a successful era for both Qerim and First Take, while opening new possibilities for her future career.
Molly Qerim’s decade-long contribution to First Take established her as one of the most respected hosts in sports media. Her professional handling of controversial topics, skilled moderation of heated debates, and consistent presence helped make the show a cornerstone of ESPN’s programming.
As fans continue to search for answers about why did Molly leave First Take, her own words provide the clearest explanation: it was time for a new chapter. Her decision reflects the natural evolution of a successful career and demonstrates the courage required to leave a comfortable, successful position in pursuit of new challenges and opportunities.
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