A Pillar of Morning Sports Television Steps Down
In a significant shift for morning sports television, veteran host Molly Qerim has announced she will be leaving ESPN and its flagship debate show, “First Take,” at the end of 2025. The news, which first surfaced on September 15, 2025, marks the end of a decade-long tenure for Qerim as the show’s moderator. She confirmed her departure in an emotional statement on social media the following day.
“After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take,” Qerim wrote on Instagram. “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.”
Qerim acknowledged that the news broke “earlier than I intended, and not in the way I hoped,” but expressed deep gratitude for her experience. She concluded her message with a hint about her future, telling fans to “stay tuned.”
ESPN and Colleagues React to the Departure
ESPN officially responded to the news with a statement from Burke Magnus, the network’s President of Content, who praised Qerim’s significant contributions. “Molly has been an integral part of ESPN since 2006 and a key driver of ‘First Take’s’ success since joining as host a decade ago,” Magnus stated. “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.”
On the Tuesday, September 16, broadcast of “First Take,” Qerim was absent. Her longtime colleague, Stephen A. Smith, opened the show with a heartfelt tribute.
“She’s hosted ‘First Take’ for 10 years and elevated the show with her grace, her expertise and incomparable kindness,” Smith said. “Not only did she keep me and many others in line, she did it with dignity, class and kindness, to say the least. We’ll miss her… I personally am grateful to her for her friendship. I will miss spending every weekday morning with her right by my side.”
A Storied Career at ESPN
Molly Qerim’s journey with ESPN began in 2006, where she initially worked on digital and mobile content. Her early work earned her an Emmy in 2008 for her contributions to “Fantasy Football Now.” After stints at CBS Sports and NFL Network, she returned to ESPN in 2015.
She took over as interim host of “First Take” in July 2015 and was named the permanent moderator on September 15, 2015 — exactly ten years to the day before reports of her departure emerged. Over the past decade, she has been a steady presence, skillfully navigating heated debates between prominent personalities like Skip Bayless and, most recently, Stephen A. Smith.
What Lies Ahead for Qerim and ‘First Take’
While Qerim has not disclosed her next career move, reports from sources cited by digitaltrendstoday.com indicate that her departure was a personal decision. It is understood that ESPN offered her a new contract, but she chose to pursue other opportunities. Her extensive experience hosting a live, high-pressure morning show makes her a valuable talent in the evolving sports media landscape.
Her exit creates a high-profile vacancy at one of ESPN’s most successful programs. The network now faces the challenge of finding a new host who can manage the show’s dynamic and often contentious format. With Stephen A. Smith recently signing a new five-year deal, his input will likely be crucial in selecting Qerim’s successor. As the sports world awaits news of Qerim’s next chapter, “First Take” prepares to enter a new era.
