It’s onward and upward for former NFL player Ryan Clark.
With 13 NFL seasons under his belt and time as an ESPN commentator, he is now writing his own rules. This follows his unexpected exit from ESPN in July when the network let him go during a live commercial break after 12 years of contributing to shows like “First Take,” “Monday Night Football,” and “NFL Live.”
Clark says he was laid off, which shocked him, as he expected his career with ESPN to end on his terms. He admitted this in an interview with Today’s Craig Melvin on an episode of “Glass Half Full.” However, he says the support after the incident helped him focus more on his Emmy-nominated venture, “The Pivot Podcast,” which he hosts alongside former NFL stars Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder.
“I believe it allowed me to get support. It allowed people to be able to give me my flowers and essentially has helped me in the transition to what we have now,” Clark told Today.
He is referring to the transition to “The Pivot Sports” show, which offers live chats, breakdowns, previews, and premium analysis of NFL games. The show is produced in partnership with NFL Films and airs Mondays at 2 p.m. ET, according to The Athletic.
Investment
Clark could also align himself with more shows in the future following a new investment. Today reports that former Starbucks chairman and CEO Howard Schultz reached out to Clark when he was let go from ESPN to affirm him and express interest in being part of his “comeback” story.
“He believes that I’m a brand. He believes in things that I stand for, which I hadn’t heard from somebody of his stature who didn’t look like me. I’m just being honest,” Clark told Today.
Clark mentioned one show to Schultz, who in turn encouraged him to think bigger.
“[Schultz had said], ‘I believe in your capabilities. I believe that in you being a brand, we can build an entire network, and I don’t want you to have to go add,’” Clark recalled of their conversation.
Schultz is now an investor in Clark’s company Pivot25 Productions, which was launched alongside producer Alicia Zubikowski. Schultz joins as an investor and strategic partner to position the company as an “enduring media enterprise,” according to Today.
“New days and continued blessings,” Clark wrote on X. “Building a relationship with Howard Schultz has taught me so much about business already. I’m excited to continue to learn & grow with him as a partner. As the saying goes. “Onward & Upward.”
