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Ryan Clark apologizes to Peter Schrager for regretful comment

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Dan Benton | Last updated Sep 6, 2025 9:25 AM ET

Retired NFL defensive back-turned-ESPN analyst, Ryan Clark, is no stranger to offering up some controversial takes and engaging in spats that become oddly personal.

Most recently, Clark stirred the pot when claiming Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Drew Brees were not generational talents. He’s also publicly feuded with the likes of Robert Griffin III and Antonio Brown, while taking shots at anyone from Kyle Brandt to Sean Payton.

That trend continued on Friday during an exchange on Get Up.

While discussing the Week 1 performance of Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb with the panel, Clark became increasingly agitated with analyst Peter Schrager, who joined ESPN earlier this year.

As Schrager attempted to defend Lamb, who had several critical drops in the game, Clark once again made things unnecessarily personal.

Ryan Clark: "That’s the non-player in you"

Peter Schrager: "Don’t belittle me like that, I can come and say as three ex-players are saying one thing, and give an alternative perspective"

Ryan Clark: "Peter, what I need for you to do is not get mad and let me finish" pic.twitter.com/zbBXdNPQaI
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 5, 2025

“The thing is this, though. And we shouldn’t do this on TV. So, I apologize if people think this is rude — that’s the non-player in you,” Clark said.

Schrager, taken aback by the dig, fired a return shot.

“I’m not looking at fantasy football. Ryan, don’t belittle me like that,” Schrager said. “I can come in, as three ex-players are saying one thing, and give an alternative that maybe CeeDee Lamb did play well.”

Clark refused to relent, escalating the awkward situation before host Mike Greenberg stepped in and brought the temperature down. However, things continued off-air, eventually prompting a public apology from Clark.

Today, I had an interaction with my colleague @PSchrags both on and off the air that I regret. I have apologized to Peter and taken accountability with ESPN leadership. I value working with Peter and look forward to this season. My focus will remain on professionalism, teamwork,…
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) September 6, 2025

Clark spends a considerable amount of his time apologizing, but never seems to learn from his mistakes. He constantly demands respect, but appears to offer very little in return.

This won’t be the last time Clark makes something personal and is forced to apologize.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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