Following the news that ESPN fired analyst Ryan Clark on Monday, former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Josh Harris offered a sharp critique of the broadcaster's reaction to his departure. Clark, who spent 11 years at the network and won a Sports Emmy for Outstanding Personality/Studio Analyst in 2023, appeared on "The Pivot Podcast" this past Friday. During the interview, he became emotional while discussing his exit and expressed a deep desire to be accepted.
Harris, who played for the Steelers for one season in 2014 before being released in September 2015, took to social media on Saturday to address the situation. He suggested that Clark’s emotional outburst was rooted in a lack of self-awareness. According to Harris, Clark likely operated under the impression that he was "untouchable" due to his status within the media landscape. Harris noted that while elite players in the NFL are often viewed as untouchable, Clark’s termination suggests ESPN did not categorize him in that same elite tier, a realization that appeared to cause him significant personal distress.
Clark joined ESPN in February 2015 shortly after retiring from his professional football career. During his tenure, he contributed to 76 high-profile segments across 2 major programs, including NFL Live, Get Up, First Take, and Monday Night Countdown. Harris, who entered the league as an undrafted free agent, recorded 16 yards on nine carries during his brief stint with the Steelers.
