The sports world is buzzing after former ESPN analyst Ryan Clark secured a major win with his The Pivot podcast, and no one is more thrilled than his old colleague Stephen A. Smith.
Smith, who spent years alongside Clark at ESPN, took to social media to shower his friend with praise. “YYYEEESSSSSSSS!!!!!! Hell Yeah! That’s what I’m talking about, Fellas. So Happy for y’all. So proud of y’all. Congrats! @Realrclark25 …..you already know, bro! Love ya!!!!” The tweet, posted on August 31, 2026, captured the excitement of a deal that marks a new chapter for Clark.
Clark, who was laid off by ESPN earlier in the summer, didn’t take long to respond, replying to Smith with gratitude. “You already know what it is with us big bro. Love ya man,” he wrote, while The Pivot official account added, “Appreciate you big Bro!”
The Netflix partnership is a significant milestone for the podcast, which Clark co-hosts with former NFL players Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder. The show has built a massive following, boasting 1.4 million YouTube subscribers alone, and the streaming deal is expected to expand its reach even further.
Fans and peers alike joined Smith in celebrating. “Yes sir!! Awesome man!! Congratulations!!” wrote A.J. Guyton, while another fan declared, “God closes a door to open a bigger one.” A third chimed in, “I’m so happy for RC!”
But the road to this moment wasn’t smooth. When ESPN let him go in July, Clark didn’t hold back his frustration. In an interview, he accused the network of using layoffs as a cover for what he believed was a predetermined decision. “They’re using layoffs as a cover and a camouflage for what they already intended on doing,” Clark said. “But there was no cause for it. So because there was no cause for it you couldn’t just fire me, so you had to wait until the layoffs so you could camouflage it and veil it.” He also noted that his layoff came later than others, adding to his suspicion.
Despite the rocky exit, Clark has landed on his feet, and the Netflix deal is a testament to his resilience and the power of his brand. The move also highlights the growing influence of athlete-led media, as former players continue to carve out successful careers beyond the field. This trend is reminiscent of other stories in sports media, like Clark's journey from ESPN to streaming, which has captured attention across the industry.
For Smith, the congratulatory message was more than just a tweet; it was a sign of respect between two broadcasting heavyweights. The two have shared many moments on air, and Smith’s public support underscores the bond they’ve built over the years.
As Clark embarks on this new venture, the sports community will be watching to see how The Pivot evolves with Netflix’s backing. For now, it’s a moment of triumph for Clark, who has turned a setback into a stepping stone. And with Smith cheering him on, the future looks bright.
