The morning after Molly Qerim announced she was leaving ESPN, First Take felt different. On Tuesday, she wasn’t at the desk, and the show opened with a heartfelt message from Stephen A. Smith.
“We’ll Miss Her”
Smith began the broadcast by acknowledging Qerim’s absence and paying tribute to her decade-long run as host.
“Good morning, and welcome to First Take. Normally, our friend Molly Qerim would greet you. However, Molly announced last night she will be departing from ESPN,” he said.
Smith praised Qerim’s influence, noting that she had elevated the program for ten years:
“She’s hosted First Take for 10 years and elevated the show with her grace, her expertise and incomparable kindness. She’s been an enormous part of our success for a decade. 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 and wish her every blessing on her future.”
He closed with a personal note: “I personally am grateful to her for her friendship. I will miss spending every weekday morning with her right by my side.”
A Sudden Exit
Initially, reports suggested Qerim would remain with ESPN until the end of the year. But her absence Tuesday raised questions about whether her departure was immediate.
Her Instagram post on Monday confirmed she had made the decision to step away:
“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 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.”
What Comes Next
With Qerim gone, Smith is hosting alongside Marcus Spears and Chris Canty for the remainder of the week. ESPN has yet to announce who will permanently replace Qerim, leaving fans wondering what the future of First Take will look like without its longtime host.
Final Word
For ten years, Molly Qerim helped steer First Take through fiery debates and big personalities, balancing it all with poise and professionalism.
Stephen A. Smith’s tribute underscored just how vital she was to the show’s success and just how much she’ll be missed in mornings to come.
She’ll be missed, blessing moving forward 🙏🏿