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ESPN May Have Found Shannon Sharpe Replacement For 'First Take'

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 10:42 AM ET

From Skip Bayless to Max Kellerman to Shannon Sharpe, Stephen A. Smith has had a colorful array of counterparts across the desk on ESPN's First Take. But after months without a partner, it appears that Stephen A. Smith will be getting a replacement for Shannon Sharpe.

In an exclusive report, Front Office Sports revealed that Cam Newton has been tabbed for an "expanding" role on First Take. Newton played 11 seasons in the NFL, winning MVP honors in 2015, and was previously a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback at Auburn. After his NFL career ended, Newton went into broadcasting and podcasting. He currently has a weekly spot on First Take.

Per the report, Newton is expected to be a part of First Take more often than just his once-a-week spot.

"EXCLUSIVE: Cam Newton is expanding his role on First Take, sources told FOS. Newton began appearing regularly on Fridays during football season last October and is now expected to be on the daily debate show hosted by Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim more than once per week," the outlet reported.

EXCLUSIVE: Cam Newton is expanding his role on First Take, sources told FOS.

Newton began appearing regularly on Fridays during football season last October and is now expected to be on the daily debate show hosted by Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim more than once per week.
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) August 27, 2025

What's the role?

It's unlikely that Newton will become a full-time, everyday figure on First Take simply because the show hasn't had that since Max Kellerman's departure several years ago. The format has shifted to a revolving cast of guests on the show.

Rather than just one person for Smith to go head-to-head with, the guests shift almost daily from NFL analysts like Ryan Clark and Dan Orlovsky to media veterans like Chris "Mad Dog" Russo.

But with the NFL season upon us, the show needs more analysis and debate on the top stories in football - college and pro.

Cam Newton at the 2024 BET Awards at Peacock Theater on June 30, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/ Billboard via Getty Images)Gilbert Flores/Getty Images

Newton may have spent most of his career in the NFL, but he has pretty extensive ties to college football from his playing days with the Tigers (and to a lesser extent the Florida Gators).

And much like Shannon Sharpe, Newton has his own platform of passionate followers who will confront anyone over his opinions.

Will Newton become a permanent fixture on First Take?

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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