Ryan Clark breaks silence on ‘madness’ of shock ESPN layoff
Ryan Clark addressed “the madness” of his ESPN firing in a Instagram carousel post Tuesday.
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The NFL analyst — who reportedly learned he was laid off by the Worldwide Leader during an appearance on Monday’s “NFL Live” — shared a “proof of life” message in his first statement since his layoff.
“Proof of Life…Before the madness of yesterday, I woke up, got in my Tundra, drove to Planet Fitness, and got to work,” Clark wrote, including videos of him working out at the gym.
“The rest of the day was eventful, but the journey continues. My peace is with God, and my humility comes from within. I’ll continue to build myself so the world can never strip me of what’s real. Get moving today y’all! 🙏🏾.”
Clark supported others affected by ESPN’s latest layoffs in a post on X, with lead MLB play-by-play announcer Karl Ravech reportedly expected to be included in Tuesday’s layoffs.
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero is also expected to be let go after ESPN acquired the company, according to The Athletic.
“Sending prayers and love to all those laid off today by ESPN,” he wrote. “So many of you have poured your life into that company, & I know how you’re feeling right now.
“My hope is as this door closes another opens for you all. God bless!”
Clark — who joined the company in 2015 and won a Sports Emmy in May 2023 for Outstanding Personality/Studio Analyst for this work at ESPN — found out that he was being laid off mid-show and did not return to the program, The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand reported Monday.
ESPN reportedly planned to fire Clark on Tuesday as part of a larger round of layoffs from their parent company, Disney.
However, ESPN broke the news to Clark on-air due to concerns that it would leak, per The Athletic.
Clark co-hosts a podcast, “The Pivot,” with former NFL players Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder.
