ESPN’s Molly Qerim has officially parted ways with the network and First Take as of Tuesday morning. ESPN PR released an official statement as well. It was reported Monday night that she was leaving the network at the end of the year.
“Molly has been an integral part of ESPN since 2006 and a key driver of First Take’s success since joining as host a decade ago,” the statement read. “She elevated the show with her poise, skill and professionalism, while supporting others as a kind and encouraging teammate. We respect Molly’s decision, wish her the best in the future and thank her for her extraordinary daily committment to sports fans and ESPN.”
Molly Qerim began at ESPN in 2006, working on the digital and mobile side before moving over to the news team in 2008. In that same year, Qerim earned an Emmy for her work on Fantasy Football Now.
Qerim was with ESPN for four years before moving on to CBS Sports, covering college football and basketball. She also spent time at the NFL Network, hosting NFL AM and NFL Fantasy Live.
In 2015, Qerim returned to ESPN and was assigned to host First Take. The Connecticut native hosts the morning show with Stephen A. Smith, and the two discuss the top sports topics with rotating guests.
Earlier this year, Qerim spoke to New Era about her career. “I always knew I wanted to be a journalist or television host from a very young age,” Qerim said, per The Sun. “Probably about 12 years old, I remember buying magazines, and I would rip out profiles on different journalists and TV hosts and study them and their path.
“I knew that’s what I always wanted to do. “The goal was to build a platform and help as many people as I can, and that’s still the goal today.”
Qerim then talked about interacting with her co-workers when they are not on camera. “My favorite time at work is either when I’m on set with the guys, cracking jokes with each other and having a good time,” she said. “And also interviewing – I’m really fascinated by people when I can connect and learn from them and hear their story. In terms of athletes, you want to convey the truth and their story. You want to inform the viewer and also entertain them – sports are hopefully a respite.”
Molly Qerim graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor’s degree in communications and a minor in business administration. She then received a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Quinnipac University.
