Cam Newton and others leave ESPN amid major layoffs
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 21, 2026, 5:05 PM
Last updated Jul 21, 2026
On July 21, ESPN announced layoffs affecting high-profile figures, including former NFL MVP Cam Newton. Newton's departure follows an on-air dismissal of Ryan Clark the previous day. His tenure at ESPN was marked by polarizing opinions, especially regarding his criticism of players like Keon Coleman. Following his exit, Newton retains his podcast platform, which continues to draw a significant audience. ESPN is expected to seek a new co-host for Stephen A. Smith on 'First Take,' with no candidates yet identified.
- •Cam Newton was included in ESPN layoffs on July 21, 2026.
- •Newton criticized players like Keon Coleman during his ESPN tenure.
- •Stephen A. Smith needs a new co-host for 'First Take'.
- •ESPN aims to restructure its NFL Network after acquiring it in January.
- •Newton continues to produce content through his podcasts on YouTube.
- 5:05 PMYahoo Sports — ‘His Takes Were Awful,’ ‘Keon Coleman Won the War’ — NFL World Mocks Cam Newton After ESPN Fires Former MVP
- 5:05 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Cam Newton Was A Polarizing Figure’ — Insider Checks The Temp on ESPN Firing Former NFL MVP
"ESPN caught the NFL media unawares with a long list of layoffs enforced on Tuesday, July 21, as the organization aims to restructure the NFL Network, a media property it acquired back in January. Part of the layoffs ensnared former NFL MVP Cam Newton, who was, by some accounts, a polarizing figure among NFL Media.
"ESPN parted ways with Ryan Clark on Monday in an awkward on-air dismissal during “NFL Live. ” On Tuesday, more layoffs swept through Bristol, and former NFL MVP Cam Newton was among those let go.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 21, 2026, 5:05 PM‘His Takes Were Awful,’ ‘Keon Coleman Won the War’ — NFL World Mocks Cam Newton After ESPN Fires Former MVP
ESPN parted ways with Ryan Clark on Monday in an awkward on-air dismissal during “NFL Live. ” On Tuesday, more layoffs swept through Bristol, and former NFL MVP Cam Newton was among those let go.
- Yahoo SportsJul 21, 2026, 5:05 PM‘Cam Newton Was A Polarizing Figure’ — Insider Checks The Temp on ESPN Firing Former NFL MVP
ESPN caught the NFL media unawares with a long list of layoffs enforced on Tuesday, July 21, as the organization aims to restructure the NFL Network, a media property it acquired back in January. Part of the layoffs ensnared former NFL MVP Cam Newton, who was, by some accounts, a polarizing figure among NFL Media.
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