Molly Qerim opens up about her future plans after ‘First Take’ exit, but keeps details under wraps

It’s been a month since Molly Qerim said goodbye to ESPN and First Take, ending a 19-year journey that made her one of sports television’s most familiar faces. The Emmy-winning host’s departure came as a shock to fans who had grown used to seeing her mediate fiery debates between Stephen A.

Smith and his guests each morning. Yet, despite the speculation swirling around her next move, Qerim has chosen silence—perhaps signaling a time of reflection before her next act.

Molly Qerim hints at new beginnings after ESPN exit, but refuses to reveal her next project

In her heartfelt farewell, Qerim wrote, “To my First Take family, after much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take. Hosting this show has been one of the great honors of my career.”

Since then, the 41-year-old has largely stepped out of the spotlight. Her social media has been unusually quiet, aside from one stylish appearance after leaving the network. Interestingly, her Instagram bio still reads “Host of First Take on ESPN,” hinting that she hasn’t yet secured a new role. The quote on her profile, “Let no one come to you without leaving better & happier,” from Mother Teresa, feels almost poetic—reflecting the bittersweet nature of her exit.

After nearly two decades of nonstop television, it’s possible Qerim is taking time to recharge and redefine her career path. Her professionalism, poise, and warmth have made her one of the most respected figures in sports media, so whatever comes next is sure to draw attention.

Why Molly Qerim really left ESPN, according to insiders

Veteran broadcaster Chris “Mad Dog” Russo believes Qerim’s departure may not have been entirely voluntary. Speaking on the SI Media Podcast, Russo claimed she likely left because she felt “embarrassed” by ESPN’s plans to move her from First Take.

“They probably wanted to move her around a little bit and try something different,” he said. “If I’m not going to do First Take, I don’t want to do SportsCenter. She probably felt that would be a demotion.

”Adding to the speculation, former ESPN star Marcellus Wiley revealed that Qerim was earning around $500,000 per year—significantly less than her co-host Stephen A. Smith, whose contract reportedly pays him $20 million annually.

Wiley suggested she felt “disrespected” by the pay gap and frustrated by ESPN’s reluctance to give her her own show.ESPN’s President of Content, Burke Magnus, later confirmed that renewal talks had stalled, but praised Qerim as “a wonderful person and an unbelievable teammate,” adding that after ten years, “she wanted to do other things.”Whatever the reason behind her exit, one thing remains certain: Molly Qerim’s story in sports broadcasting is far from over. Her next chapter—whenever it begins—is one fans will be watching closely.Also Read: Rams get unexpected help from MLB’s Baltimore Orioles ahead of crucial Week 7 London showdown — Here's how