After a glimpse of Courtney Cronin’s performance on First Take, fans are clamoring for ESPN to grant the NFL reporter a more prominent role within the network.
Cronin has been filling in for the show’s host, Stephen A. Smith.
During her temporary stint, the seasoned reporter has showcased her extensive football knowledge and analytical prowess, captivating a national audience. Her impressive performance has led to an outpouring of support on social media, with viewers calling for her to receive more airtime.
“Going to scream this on my deathbed but Andraya Carter should be a NBA lead for ESPN and Courtney Cronin for the NFL,” one user posted on X. “Ball knowers should not be treated like second class while buffoons yelling s*** with no substance get promoted.”
Other fans echoed similar sentiments: “Been bada** seeing you on there! Need it more often CC,” one added, while another praised her impact, stating, “CC = Game-changer,” in response to Cronin sharing a behind-the-scenes photo of the First Take desk.
On Thursday morning, Molly Qerim returned to First Take after a long vacation, co-hosting alongside Cronin and radio host Harry Douglas. Cronin’s ability to seamlessly integrate into the dynamic of the show further solidified her status as a rising star in sports broadcasting.
Courtney Cronin’s journey to ESPN began with roles at the NCAA, The Clarion-Ledger, and The Mercury News. She joined ESPN in 2017 as a reporter covering the Minnesota Vikings and as a national radio host. By 2022, she had shifted her beat from the Vikings to the Chicago Bears while continuing her on-air contributions.
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While Qerim has resumed her duties on the highly-rated morning program, Stephen A. Smith remains on vacation as he negotiates a contract renewal with the network. Smith, one of ESPN’s most recognizable personalities, is seeking a significant pay raise that could make him the network’s first $100 million personality.
First Take has experienced considerable changes over the past year, most notably with NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe joining the show from FS1. The program also features regular analysts such as Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, Ryan Clark, Kendrick Perkins, and JJ Redick before he accepted the head coaching position with the Los Angeles Lakers.
As Cronin continues to make her mark on First Take, the growing fan support and her evident expertise suggest that she could become a permanent fixture on the show, potentially reshaping the landscape of sports commentary at ESPN.
