Molly Qerim Bids Farewell to ESPN

Fans first learned of Molly Qerim’s departure when Stephen A. Smith emotionally announced on First Take that she would be leaving the network at the end of 2025. His words made it clear how much she has meant to the show — not just as a colleague, but as a true professional who helped shape the program’s identity.

For nearly a decade, Molly has been the steady voice and guiding presence of First Take. From her start at ESPN in 2006 to stepping into the moderator chair in 2015, she brought balance, professionalism, and warmth to a stage often dominated by fiery debates. She knew when to step back, when to step in, and how to let personalities shine without letting chaos take over. That’s no small feat, and fans have noticed.

Her Instagram message reflected nothing but gratitude: to her colleagues, to ESPN, and to viewers who tuned in day after day. And that gratitude is mutual. Fans respect her professionalism, admire her perseverance (especially as she’s been open about her health battles with endometriosis), and appreciate the grace she brought to every broadcast.

While she hasn’t yet shared what’s next, Molly left us with a “stay tuned.”

But Molly’s exit also raises big questions for ESPN. Who will step in to fill her role? How will First Take adjust without her steady hand? And with so much turnover in sports media lately, fans can’t help but wonder: could more familiar faces be next to leave?