Who Is Molly Qerim? ESPN Host’s Career, Background, and Life Story

Molly Qerim is one of the most familiar faces in American sports television. She is best known as the longtime host of ESPN’s First Take. In September 2025, she confirmed she will leave the network at the end of the year after declining a new contract.

Her decision marks the close of a decade on the morning debate show. Qerim has been with First Take since 2015 and became a key part of its daily coverage. According to Sports Business Journal, she made the choice after much reflection.

Molly Qerim’s Early Life and Education

Qerim was born on March 31, 1984, in New Haven, Connecticut. She grew up in Cheshire in a mixed Italian and Albanian family. She graduated from Cheshire High School before pursuing higher studies.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications with a minor in business administration from the University of Connecticut. Later, she completed a master’s degree in broadcast journalism at Quinnipiac University. This academic base helped shape her career in sports broadcasting.

Career Journey in Sports Media

Qerim started as an anchor and reporter for CBS Sports Network. She hosted shows like SEC Tailgate Show, Full Court Press, and Bracket Breakdown. She also gained recognition for her UFC coverage across ESPN, Versus, and FS1.

In 2008, she joined ESPN as an interactive host for College Football Live. She worked as a breaking news reporter on Fantasy Football Now, where she earned an Emmy for her contributions. She also hosted Campus Connection on ESPNU and covered major sports events, from the Super Bowl to the NBA Draft.

Her big break came in 2015 when she replaced Cari Champion as the interim host of First Take. By September of that year, ESPN made her the permanent host. For a decade, she sat alongside Stephen A. Smith and other analysts, moderating fiery debates and interviews.

Personal Life and Public Role

Qerim has shared parts of her personal story with the public. In 2018, she revealed that she has severe endometriosis, a chronic health condition. That same year, she married former NBA player and ESPN analyst Jalen Rose. The couple separated in 2021, and Rose filed for divorce later that year.

Despite personal challenges, Qerim maintained her role as one of ESPN’s leading women anchors. She is also an open supporter of the New York Giants and often references her love for the team.

The Impact of Molly Qerim’s Departure

Her upcoming exit from First Take closes a major chapter for ESPN. For viewers, Qerim was more than a moderator. She became a steady voice guiding debates between strong personalities.

Her decision may spark speculation about her next move in sports media. While she has not shared future plans, Qerim has expressed gratitude for her time on ESPN and the loyal fans who tuned in daily.

Molly Qerim’s career shows the lasting impact of a strong presence in sports media. Her work on First Take made her one of the most recognized anchors in American sports television.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is Molly Qerim?

Molly Qerim is an American sports anchor best known as the host of ESPN’s *First Take*. She has worked in sports media since 2008.

Q2: What is Molly Qerim’s background?

She was born in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1984. She studied at the University of Connecticut and Quinnipiac University.

Q3: Why is Molly Qerim leaving ESPN?

In September 2025, she declined a contract extension and announced she would leave *First Take* at the end of the year.

Q4: Who was Molly Qerim married to?

She married former NBA player Jalen Rose in 2018. They separated in 2021 and later divorced.

Q5: What health condition does Molly Qerim have?

She has publicly shared that she suffers from severe endometriosis, which she revealed in 2018.