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ESPN has fired a former NFL MVP and its longtime starting quarterback. Cam Newton has left the Worldwide Leader. He is the latest victim in a series of layoffs that have taken the careers of some of sports media’s most renowned voices.
According to TMZ Sports‘ sources, Newton was let go this week. It is being dubbed a shocking decision by Bristol’s higher authorities. Newton only joined ESPN in late 2024. Even so, he held his own against Stephen A. Smith throughout the NFL season as Smith’s primary debate partner on First Take.
ESPN is implementing layoffs as part of an agreement it reached with the NFL in early 2026. Chairman Jimmy Pitaro confirmed the cuts in a memo to staff on July 21, 2026. The cuts largely affect behind-the-scenes production personnel. However, a few on-air personalities are already on their way out. These include NFL analyst Ryan Clark and lead baseball play-by-play voice Karl Ravech.
Reacting to the news of Newton’s departure, fans on social media wrote, “They always letting the realest ones go. You and RC were EXCELLENT‼️” Another fan suggested, “You and RC should go to NFL Network and start a show.”
Fans wanting to see more of Newton also commented, “4th and 1 need to partner with prime or Netflix.” Slamming the network, a fourth user noted, “@espn don’t want talented analysts, they want bend overs to their rules and regulations.”
Pitaro stated that the integration of NFL Network assets bought in February 2026 is the key cause behind the latest wave of layoffs. He added, “Throughout this process, we have taken the time to carefully evaluate our collective teams, resources, and organizational structure to best position us for the future. As a result, we had to make some difficult decisions about job impacts that we will be communicating today.”
NFL QB Goes From ESPN Contract Extension To Layoff In Under A Year
Newton joined ESPN‘s First Take in October 2024, first appearing on Fridays throughout the football season. After Shannon Sharpe’s departure, ESPN promoted Newton to replace Sharpe as Smith’s primary Monday co-host in 2025.
The former Carolina Panthers quarterback signed a multi-year contract agreement with ESPN in August 2025 to expand his role in First Take. In March 2026, Smith even publicly backed Newton, following tensions over a Jackson Whitlock podcast appearance.
ESPN and the NFL finalized their deal in February 2026. The league acquired a 10 percent interest in ESPN in return for ESPN getting ownership of media holdings such as the NFL Network. According to an SEC filing, the acquisition valued ESPN at $30 billion.
Many of the NFL Network and ESPN‘s operations have been combined to reduce costs and overlap. On July 21, 2026, less than a year after his extension, Newton was let go in a startling turn of events.
Newton didn’t wait for rumors to fill the void. Within hours of ESPN‘s recent wave of layoffs, he dropped his own podcast, titled I Will NOT Be Going Back to First Take. Instead of criticizing the network or seeming resentful, he said that the news affected him more deeply than he expected.
On his 4th&1 podcast, Newton said, “This particular situation, it gets me in my feelings. I’ll (sic) be lying if it didn’t.”
Newton’s voice was filled with perspective as well as disappointment. He clarified that he saw ESPN as a chance to learn about a new aspect of the sports industry. Therefore, the TV schedule, the grind, and the constant flights between cities never upset him. The former New England Patriots quarterback wanted people to know he truly appreciated going to work.
Despite receiving messages from friends checking on him, Newton maintained he was doing okay. The 37-year-old thanked everyone who checked in on him. He also encouraged fans to continue supporting the platform he built. He said his experience at ESPN taught him a lot. He is now eager to apply what he’s learned to improve his own show. Newton said that relationships are something “you can’t pay for,” alluding to the personal toll of the exit.
ESPN is actively seeking a permanent Monday co-host to replace Newton on First Take. Smith will start the 2026 NFL season without either Clark or Newton, his primary debate partners.
