Ryan Clark Announces That His ESPN Contract Has Expired

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, JANUARY 20: ESPN analyst Ryan Clark looks on during the ESPN pregame show before the AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium on January 20, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images) Kirby Lee/Getty Images

One of the biggest names in sports media is officially a free agent.

After working with the network for over nine years, Ryan Clark’s contract with ESPN has officially expired.

Clark announced the news on social media, adding that he and the network disagreed on what he felt he was worth for a new contract, but that he was “OK” with the outcome.

Since retiring, Clark has become one of the most visible former athletes in the sports media space.

He runs the popular Pivot podcast on YouTube with fellow former players Channing Crowder and Fred Taylor, and he became a member of the rebooted “Inside the NFL” on the CW in 2023.

“It’s no longer a secret that my contract with ESPN has expired. Heck, I’m the reason it’s no longer a secret. I’m so grateful for the decade of work they allowed me to do on the world’s greatest sports platform,” Clark said on Saturday.

“I know I had to represent in a way that reflected well on them, my community, my family, & myself. That’s all I’ve worked to do.”

Clark noted that he simply hopes his effort is “valued” going forward, wherever his next steps take him. He noted that he’s going to take his time before announcing his next decision, and that includes evaluating all options that are presented.

“You have to give yourself an opportunity to hear everything, feel everything before you make your choice,” he said.

Clark had become a major part of ESPN’s NFL coverage during his time at the network, working on NFL Live as well as breaking down games and highlights on SportsCenter.

The network will now need to find other voices to complement its NFL coverage as Clark prepares for his next move.