NFL analyst Ryan Clark was one of several on-air ESPN talents laid off this week by the network in fallout from its purchase of NFL Network last year. Associated Press

ESPN underwent a significant round of layoffs for the first time in three years after taking over NFL Network in April.

Caught up in it is former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Ryan Clark, who had been with the four-letter network for more than a decade. Clark’s firing was one of two big-name firings during this round of layoffs along with longtime MLB reporter Carl Ravech, who had been with ESPN since 1993.

While most of the layoffs affect production and behind-the-scenes personnel, some on-air talent were affected. Clark, who joined ESPN in 2015 as an NFL analyst, learned of his layoff Monday while on “NFL Live.” A person familiar with the situation said Clark was originally going to be told Tuesday morning before reports leaked about the decision.

Clark, who played eight of his 13 years in the NFL with the Steelers and made one Pro Bowl, was told by company executives rather than hear about it elsewhere. He did not finish his appearance on the show.

Clark took to social media Tuesday to address the layoffs. He also shared a video of himself working out.

“Sending prayers and love to all those laid off today by ESPN. So many of you have poured your life into that company, & I know how you’re feeling right now,” Clark wrote on X. “My hope is as this door closes another opens for you all. God bless!”

Ravech, who had been an integral part of ESPN’s baseball coverage for 34 years, was the voice of “Sunday Night Baseball” from 2022-25 before the package moved to NBC this season. He did call Monday night’s game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies.

Tom Pelissero, who had been with NFL Network since 2017, is also part of the cuts. ESPN had recently signed NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter to extensions.

Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a memo to employees Tuesday morning, obtained by the Associated Press, most moves are the result of ESPN’s acquisition of NFL Network and other league digital assets last year.

The deal was announced in August 2025 and also included NFL Fantasy and the rights to distribute the RedZone channel to cable and satellite operators. In return, the NFL got a 10% equity stake in ESPN.

It was approved by government regulators in January. NFL Network employees became part of ESPN on April 1.

“Over the past several months, we’ve made significant progress integrating the NFL assets that we acquired into ESPN,” Pitaro wrote in the memo. “Throughout this process, we have taken the time to carefully evaluate our collective teams, resources and organizational structure to best position us for the future. As a result, we had to make some difficult decisions about job impacts that we will be communicating today.

“While most of the job impacts are tied to the acquisition, we will also notify colleagues in other parts of the company today that their positions have been impacted. We are committed to treating employees with compassion and respect and to providing support as they navigate this transition.”

The ESPN cutbacks are also part of other reductions that are taking place throughout the Walt Disney Company this week.