ESPN is adding a former NFL MVP to its signature weekday series First Take.
The sports media giant has signed Cam Newton, with the former Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots quarterback set to serve as a commentator for the company, primarily on First Take.
Newton will make his First Take debut Friday, Oct. 11 during a live taping at Tennessee State University as part of the program’s HBCU roadshow.
The morning show, hosted by Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim, has become a staple of ESPN’s lineup during the 10 a.m. to noon hours. Other First Take commentators include Shannon Sharpe and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo.
“Cam Newton’s addition to First Take brings an electrifying presence, enhancing our roster of top-tier personalities,” said David Roberts, executive vp and executive editor of sports news and entertainment at ESPN. “His dynamic charisma, combined with the high-profile debates alongside Stephen A. Smith, will create compelling, must-watch television for fans.”
“I’ve always brought passion and energy into everything I do, and that won’t change at ESPN,” Newton added. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to share my perspective and go toe-to-toe with the best in the business. Fans can expect the same intensity I brought to the field, along with real talk, bold takes, and good fun.”
The addition of Newton comes as ESPN seeks to reorient its talent roster and lineup in preparation for a wider push into streaming next year. It has cut dozens of on-air personalities over the last year, while adding others like former Eagles star Jason Kelce and former Alabama coach Nick Saban.
And Smith, the star of First Take, is positioning himself as a part of ESPN’s future as well (Smith is in contract negotiations with ESPN), with a number of regular commentators that Newton will join ready to spar over the sports news of the day. The host told The Hollywood Reporter last month that he is focused on the changing media landscape himself.
“When we talk about adapting, ESPN is adapting from the standpoint of looking at the media landscape, the advent of podcasting and podcasters, the digital stratosphere, YouTube becoming the new television platform in a lot of people’s eyes and adapting to the inordinate amount of competition that’s coming from other places and saying, ‘Okay, how can we maintain relevancy and ultimately continue to stand afloat above the crowd?’” Smith said. “That’s the challenge that ESPN has, and I view myself as a pivotal component to ensuring that that remains the state of affairs when it comes to ESPN and Walt Disney.”
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