Is Molly Qerim Leaving First Take? Why is She Leaving?
Honestly, the answer is yes: Molly Qerim is leaving First Take, and if you’ve been following ESPN’s morning show, you might have seen this coming—a little, or maybe not at all. There’s no massive scandal, no fiery argument on-air, and, thankfully, no abrupt "I’m outta here" walk-off. But still, when someone who’s become part of your daily sports ritual—like the toast you always burn or the morning dog bark that’s now just background—decides to take a step back, it feels personal. So, let’s talk about what’s behind this move, why it matters, and yes, why it’ll leave an empty space somewhere between Stephen A’s rants and the creased papers of those opening debates.
Molly Qerim mentioned it on her Instagram story
“After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take". “Hosting this show has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Every morning, I had the privilege of sharing the desk with some of the most brilliant, passionate, and entertaining voices in sports — and with all of you, the best fans in the world."
Molly’s Journey: A Micro Anecdote
What rings true about Molly Qerim’s story is her resilience. There was this one Tuesday, not particularly dramatic, where Stephen A. was mid-rant about the Cowboys (when is he not?), and Molly—voice a bit tired but still sharp—redirected with, “We hear you, Stephen. But let’s not forget the defense here.” That’s a mollyism: gentle, but firm; always pushing the show forward while keeping it—somehow—on track.
This wasn’t heroic. It was authentic. And it’s those moments that made First Take feel like more than just sports debate, like something live and human, with Molly as the connective tissue. She’s never tried to out-shout anyone; she’s the person making sure the conversation lands before it crashes. Losing her is losing a bit of that underlying humanity, honestly.
The Impact on First Take
So, what happens to First Take next? Losing Molly Qerim means ESPN needs a new moderator with just the right blend of thick skin, quick wit, and traffic-cop patience. Her unique style made those fiery debates watchable, turning volatile segments into actual conversations (even if Twitter disagreed). A few things likely change:
The rhythm of banter might get messier or more combative.
Expect some awkward pauses as new moderators find their groove.
Some fans will hate the change just because it is change.
And you know what? That’s ok. Shows survive shakeups. But there’s a reason so many are sentimental—and probably a bit dramatic—about Molly’s exit: she made chaos seem calm.
Why This Kind of Move Feels Personal
This part gets emotional, but also a little funny: for some viewers (like a friend of mine, who’s strangely invested in sports morning talk), watching First Take without Molly is like going to brunch and finding out the pancakes are now kale wraps. Sure, you’ll get used to it, but it won’t quite feel right.
She wasn’t the star of every segment, or the headline-drawer. But Qerim was the moderator that made it all function—a traffic cop in a city of screaming horns, a buffer between strong personalities, and occasionally the person setting off the “ok, we need to move on from LeBron” alarm. In sports TV, that role matters just as much as the bombastic debate itself.
