ESPN hires Cam Newton as “First Take” regular with Stephen A. Smith

ESPN is adding a former NFL MVP to its weekday feature series First shot.

The sports media giant has hired Cam Newton, with the former Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots quarterback set to serve as a commentator for the company, primarily on First shot.

Newton will do his First shot will 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 10 a.m. to noon lineup. Other First shot commentators include Shannon Sharpe and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo.

“Adding Cam Newton to First shot brings an electrifying presence, enhancing our roster of top-tier personalities,” said David Roberts, executive vice president and executive editor of sports news and entertainment at ESPN. “His dynamic charisma, combined with high-profile debates alongside Stephen A. Smith, will create compelling, must-see television for fans.”

“I have always brought passion and energy to everything I do, and that won't change at ESPN,” Newton added. “I look forward to the opportunity to share my perspective and rub shoulders with the best in the industry. Fans can expect the same intensity I bring to the field, along with real talk, bold takes and good fun.

Newton's addition comes as ESPN looks to refocus its talent roster and lineup in preparation for a larger push into streaming next year. He has cut dozens of on-air personalities in the past year, adding others like former Eagles star Jason Kelce and former Alabama coach Nick Saban.

And Smith, the star of First shothe's also positioning himself as part of ESPN's future (Smith is in contract negotiations with ESPN), with a number of regular commentators Newton will join ready to discuss the sports news of the day. The host said The Hollywood journalist last month who himself focused on the changing media landscape.

“When we talk about adaptation, ESPN is adapting from the perspective of the media landscape, the advent of podcasting and podcasters, the digital stratosphere, YouTube becoming the new television platform in many people's eyes and adapting to excessive amount of competition coming in from other places and saying, 'Okay, how do we maintain relevance and ultimately continue to stay afloat above the crowd?'” Smith said. “That's ESPN's challenge and I consider myself a critical component in ensuring that this remains the state of affairs when it comes to ESPN and Walt Disney.”

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