First Take fans claim ‘game-changing’ analyst replacing Stephen A. Smith should be new ‘NFL leader’ at ESPN

Viewers are desperate for Courtney Cronin to be given a more prominent role.

The ESPN NFL reporter, 33, replaced Stephen A. Smith on First Take.

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Cronin is impressing with her football knowledge and fans want her to get more air time.

“I’m going to scream this on my deathbed, but Andraya Carter should be leading the NBA on ESPN and Courtney Cronin on the NFL,” posted on X.

“Ball connoisseurs should not be treated as second class while buffoons who shout insubstantial shit are promoted.”

“CC = game changer,” added another after Cronin shared a behind-the-scenes photo from the set.

Molly Qerim returned to First Take yesterday after a long vacation.

She was joined by Chicago Bears reporter Cronin and radio host Harry Douglas.

Smith is still on vacation while he waits to sign a new contract with ESPN.

He could become the network’s first $100 million man as he seeks a big pay raise.

Smith made an appearance on The OGs Podcast with Udonis Haslem and Mike MIller and revealed that he thinks professional athletes are out to get him.

“I’m going to tell you something and I’m not going to say it publicly, but I’m going to say it now,” Stephen A. said.

“Do you think I didn’t realize the pressure has increased since everyone knows my contract is coming up?

“You think I’m that stupid? You think I don’t know what they’re trying to do?”

Stephen A. shared that he thinks people are trying to persuade him to say something that could derail his career.

“What these cats are trying to do is lure me into doing something stupid and messing up my money,” he continued.

“Now, it’s as obvious as the sky is blue on a sunny day in Miami.

Stephen A. Smith’s journey through the media

STEPHEN A. Smith is now the face of ESPN and executive producer of First Take, having initially started working for the company in 2003.

Smith has held numerous roles at the network, including radio show host, contributions to SportsCenter and appearance on NBA Countdown.

He was a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer from 1994 to 2010.

He started as an NBA writer before becoming a general sports columnist.

Prior to that, Smith worked as a reporter at the Winston-Salem Journal, the Greensboro News and the New York Daily News.

“But here’s the real question: Why would you do that?

“I have never worked less than 320 days a year in my career at ESPN or in this business.

“I’ve been number 1 for 12 years in the morning on First Take.

“In terms of audience and revenue, I have been the No. 1 talent for a decade.

“This isn’t about ESPN, this is about the cats coming at me… I’m talking about the cynics and the critics.

“No matter how hard I work, no matter how hard I work, along with the results I provide, if I don’t get paid, who will get paid?”