ESPN has signed a contract with former NFL MVP Cam Newton. He will primarily serve as a commentator on First Take, ESPN’s flagship morning debate show with Stephen A. Smith and host Molly Qerim. Newton will debut on the show on Friday, Oct. 11, during a live broadcast at Tennessee State University for First Take’s HBCU roadshow this fall.
The former NFL MVP becomes part of an esteemed lineup of personalities on First Take. This lineup features the previously mentioned Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim, Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Shannon Sharpe, and Sirius XM’s renowned Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo, among a host of other notable figures.
“Cam Newton’s addition to First Take injects an electrifying presence, elevating our lineup of top-tier personalities,” stated David Roberts, Executive Vice President and Executive Editor of Sports News and Entertainment at ESPN. “His dynamic charisma, paired with the high-profile debates alongside Stephen A. Smith, promises to deliver captivating, must-see television for fans.”
Said Newton, “I’ve always brought passion and energy into everything I do, and that won’t change at ESPN. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to share my perspective and go toe-to-toe with the best in the business. Fans can expect the same intensity I brought to the field, along with real talk, bold takes, and good fun.”
ESPN’s First Take airs on weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on ESPN.