Molly Qerim quitting ESPN? American TV star's shock Instagram announcement leaves fans heartbroken

Molly Qerim is set for a major change after unexpectedly quitting First Take. Molly Qerim is set to walk away from ESPN First Take at the end of the year after a decade on the flagship show. Though she was offered a new contract to remain on the show, Molly has decided to leave.

Molly Qerim first joined in September 2015, working alongside Stephen A Smith and Skip Bayless. Qerim has released a statement after the news of her departure from First Take was revealed.

Posting a story on her Instagram account, she shared that the news breaking came as a surprise.


"Now that the news came out earlier than I intended," Qerim posted. "And not in the way I hoped..." "After much reflection, I've decided it's time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take."

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When did Molly Qerim join ESPN?

Molly Qerim joined the company in 2006, before becoming the host of First Take. She took over from Cari Champion in 2015.

The show airs daily from Monday through Friday, with Qerim featuring alongside Stephen A. Smith, 57. The 41-year-old will stay with First Take for the rest of the year, but is then expected to depart in December.

"Hosting this show has been one of the greatest honors of my career," Qerim added.

"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."

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"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."

After her announcement regarding her departure, the host has been absent from First Take. Her duties have been temporarily taken over by Smith until the end of the week. It is unclear whether Molly Qerim will return to her post.

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ESPN's response on Molly Qerim's exit

The news of Molly Qerim's ESPN exit did not come out in the way she had hoped it would. “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,” Burke Magnus, president of content at ESPN, said Tuesday, shortly after Qerim’s statement. “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.”

Molly Qerim, a graduate from the University of Connecticut, has covered college football and basketball, among other major events, while at CBS Sports in New York — and hosted “NFL AM” and “NFL Fantasy Live” while at NFL Network in Los Angeles. Qerim had replaced the beloved Cari Champion at the time, who left the show to become the lead anchor for SportsCenter.