ESPN Analyst's Son Will Make NFL Debut This Sunday

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Nov 29, 2025 9:33 PM ET

A well-known ESPN analyst will get to watch his own son take the field in an NFL game this Sunday.

According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, the New York Jets have elevated rookie defensive back Jordan Clark to their active roster for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. Clark is the son of ESPN analyst and former Super Bowl champion Ryan Clark. Cimini noted that Clark could wind up playing a key role as a slot cornerback in the absence of starter Jarvis Brownlee Jr.

"Clark, son of ESPN analyst @Realrclark25 , will make his NFL debut. Has spent the entire season on the practice squad after signing as an UDFA. With Jarvis Brownlee, Jr (hip) listed as doubtful, Clark could be in line to start in the slot," Cimini wrote.

Clark, son of ESPN analyst @Realrclark25, will make his NFL debut. Has spent the entire season on the practice squad after signing as an UDFA. With Jarvis Brownlee, Jr (hip) listed as doubtful, Clark could be in line to start in the slot. https://t.co/UdnYCZb9Va
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) November 29, 2025

Jeremy and Ryan Clark

Jordan Clark spent six years in college football - five at Arizona State and one at Notre Dame. Though he never won any all-conference accolades for the Sun Devils or Fighting Irish, he recorded four interceptions, 176 tackles and 22 passes defended, mostly in his final four years of school.

Ryan Clark built a distinguished career in the NFL before becoming one of ESPN’s core football analysts. After going undrafted in 2002, he carved out a 13-year career as a hard-hitting, intelligent safety, spending time with the New York Giants and Washington before finding his greatest success with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Clark became a key piece of Pittsburgh’s dominant defenses in the late 2000s, helping the team win Super Bowl XLIII and reach another Super Bowl in 2010.

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 09: Safety Ryan Clark #25 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on from the sideline during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Heinz Field on October 9, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Titans 38-17. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)George Gojkovich/Getty Images

After retiring, Clark smoothly transitioned to broadcasting, joining ESPN in 2015 and quickly becoming one of the network’s most prominent analysts. He became a staple on shows like NFL Live, Get Up, and First Take. Clark also launched the podcast The Pivot, where his conversational interviewing style broadened his audience beyond traditional sports fans. Over the years, he has spoken at length about player safety, league culture, and social issues, becoming a popular if controversial voice in sports media.

Will Jordan Clark be an impact player for the Jets this weekend?

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

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