ESPN Should Be 'Embarrassed' By Today's 'First Take' Segment

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Holleran | Last updated Sep 23, 2026 2:14 PM ET

ESPN crossed a line with Wednesday morning’s “First Take” segment.

The Worldwide Leader in Sports, like all TV networks, has its fair share of biases, whether it’s certain analysts with conflicts of interests, or major deals with certain leagues or conferences, or something else.

But, on Wednesday morning, ESPN let Aaron Rodgers’ brother, Jordan Rodgers, do a segment about the state of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers’ offense has looked downright terrible through two games, with Aaron Rodgers behind center.

ESPN asked if you should be panicking or patient when it comes to the Steelers and their offense right now. Jordan Rodgers, unsurprisingly, said that you need to be “patient.”

“Rodgers was actually very accurate down the field…not trying to be a homer,” he said, obviously being a homer.

Jordan Rodgers preaches patience with Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“Rodgers was actually very accurate down the field…not trying to be a homer.” pic.twitter.com/xuWkf5pAZD
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 23, 2026

It’s one thing to have a bit of a conflict of interest, it’s another to let a family member hype up a professional athlete on TV, who is obviously worthy of criticism right now.

ESPN blasted for ’embarrassing’ segment

Jordan Rodgers, of course, is just doing his job, and he’s not going to insult his family member on live TV.

But ESPN could have stopped the segment or prevented this.

“I’m not going to blame Jordan Rodgers for this. Whoever is in charge of the segment and in charge of First Take should the hit for making him talk about his brother. This is embarrassing and cringe,” longtime sports media critic Jimmy Traina shared on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“ESPN putting Aaron Rodgers brother on to analyze Aaron Rodgers is broadcasting malpractice. Woof,” another fan added.

“Look at what they’ve done to ESPN,” one fan added.

I’m not going to blame Jordan Rodgers for this. Whoever is in charge of the segment and in charge of First Take should the hit for making him talk about his brother. This is embarrassing and cringe. https://t.co/gogbbcNh2W
— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) September 23, 2026