Why Did Nick Bosa Celebrate ESPN Firing Ryan Clark?

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jul 24, 2026 9:24 AM ET

Prior to Thursday night, the last tweet Nick Bosa had was on Nov. 12, 2022. For some reason though, the San Francisco 49ers star felt the need to comment on ESPN laying off Ryan Clark.

Clark, a former Pittsburgh Steelers safety and Super Bowl champion, joined ESPN in February 2015 and quickly became one of the network's top NFL analysts. He made countless appearances on "Get Up" and "First Take," earning a Sports Emmy for "Outstanding Personality/Studio Analyst."

According to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, ESPN informed Clark that he was being laid off during Monday's episode of "NFL Live."

“Sources at ESPN say the reason they told Clark during the show was due to media inquiries into his departure and a fear that the news would leak out before they could inform him. Since after the Super Bowl in February, sources had told The Athletic that Clark’s job could be in jeopardy. Last week, The Athletic learned that Clark was likely to be let go,” Marchand wrote. “ESPN’s plan was to do that on Tuesday morning, but after receiving calls on the matter chose to inform him during his show as they did not want him to read it online before being told in person.”

Dec 29, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; ESPN MNF broadcaster Ryan Clark shown on set prior to the game between the Los Angeles Rams against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images© Dale Zanine-Imagn Images&period;

Bosa, who isn't known for being active on social media, responded to The Athletic's story about ESPN cutting ties with Clark.

“,” Bosa wrote.

This post from Bosa went viral in hurry, receiving over eight million views in just 12 hours.

https://t.co/hH903xy6zy
— Nick Bosa (@nbsmallerbear) July 24, 2026

Do Bosa and Clark have beef?

As you'd imagine, NFL fans are confused as to why Bosa felt the need to rip Clark on a public platform.

Well, back in 2024, Clark criticized Bosa for wearing a Make America Great Again hat after the 49ers won a prime-time game over the Dallas Cowboys.

"So it seems very clear to me. Nick Bosa understands that when you wear that hat [MAGA], you take a side. You take a side of division in a sport that’s supposed to bring us together," Clark said. "I’m just waiting for all the people who comment under political and sports things to 'shut up and dribble' or to 'shut up and play football' to tell him to shut up and rush."

It's possible those comments have stuck with Bosa ever since. And if not, then maybe there's another reason why he felt the need to celebrate Clark's release from ESPN.

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

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