On the opening day of the 2025 NFL regular season, fans are imploring ESPN to terminate a well-known NFL analyst.
The season kicks off on Thursday night, with the Philadelphia Eagles taking on the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field in Pennsylvania. The Eagles are arriving fresh from their 40-22 victory over the Chiefs in Super Bowl 59. The Cowboys, under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, hope to secure a playoff spot after missing out last year.
However, the buzz on Day 1 is not about the match-up, but rather ESPN NFL analyst Ryan Clark.
Clark, 45, had an NFL career from 2002 to 2014, playing for teams like the Giants, Steelers, and Redskins. An undrafted free agent from LSU, he was a Pro Bowler in 2011 and won a Super Bowl with the Steelers in 2009. Since joining ESPN in March 2015, he has also developed his podcast, The Pivot Podcast, alongside retired NFL players Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder.
Clark’s Viral Remarks on Arch Manning
On Thursday, Clark faced backlash for a controversial opinion regarding Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning. Clark argues that Manning, a highly-touted five-star recruit and nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, does not qualify as a “generational” talent. This comes after Manning had a less-than-stellar performance in a Week 1 loss to Ohio State, where he recorded under 200 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Clark made a bold statement on X, asserting, “People put expectations on Arch without any proof. He isn’t on the same level as Trevor Lawrence or Caleb Williams, both of whom excelled as freshmen. Arch has been sitting for two years like a 7th-round pick. He’s a solid player who can improve, but let him earn it.” He emphasized that Manning hasn’t faced top-tier competition during his career.
Fan Reactions and Previous Controversies
After his remarks on ESPN’s “First Take,” many fans took to social media in outrage, asking for Clark’s dismissal: “Ryan Clark should be let go immediately,” one fan commented. Others echoed similar sentiments, branding his take as “the worst take ever.”
This isn’t Clark’s only run-in with controversy; he previously had a public spat with former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III over comments regarding RGIII’s ties to the Black community.
ESPN’s Support for Clark
Despite these controversies, ESPN has not publicly reprimanded Clark for any of his comments, including those about Manning. It appears unlikely that he will face any repercussions for his latest remarks, reflecting the kind of content ESPN is willing to promote on this significant NFL occasion.
