Ryan Clark and Cam Newton are out at ESPN, and Deion Sanders is speaking out against the network’s cuts.
Clark’s departure ended an 11-year run that included a Sports Emmy and a regular seat on NFL Live. He was informed while working on Monday’s show, with ESPN reportedly moving quickly so he would not learn about it through social media. Newton, who appeared on First Take was also let go.
Sanders reacted on X by calling Clark “arguably the best talent on the espn roster” and questioning why others remained.
“How can You Know WHO still be there and [Ryan Clark] AINT!” he wrote. “Wow & please tell me the rumors of [Cam Newton] ain’t true and this dude is STILL there.”
This is 1 of many reasons I love this brother to Life! This was arguably the best talent on the espn roster! How can You Know WHO still be there and @Realrclark25 AINT! Wow & please tell me the rumors of @CameronNewton ain’t true and this dude is STILL there. https://t.co/dwRa3Gq8Wi
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) July 21, 2026
Clark surfaced the next day with a message shared alongside images from his workout.
“Proof of Life… Before the madness of yesterday, I woke up, got in my Tundra, drove to Planet Fitness, and got to work,” he wrote. “The rest of the day was eventful, but the journey continues.”
Newton said his disappointment did not erase what he gained from ESPN.
“You can’t make me hate ESPN,” he said on his “4th&1” show. “What I learned, it was an internship, almost.”
The former NFL MVP praised the people behind the cameras. “When the news came about, yes, I felt like anybody else would,” he said.