Former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark has made a name for himself in the sports media world. From The Pivot to his appearances on ESPN and more, Clark has made himself one of the most well-known names in the sports media in the past few years. But his contract is now expiring with ESPN, and while an extension is not out of the questions it appears, Clark is preparing for the next step, too.
“All love to my brothers Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder. I appreciate their words and sincerity. It’s no longer a secret that my contract with ESPN has expired. Heck, I’m the reason it’s no longer a secret. I’m so grateful for the decade of work they allowed me to do on the world’s greatest sports platform. I know I had to represent in a way that reflected well on them, my community, my family, & myself. That’s all I’ve worked to do. I’ve busted my tail since getting the job because I wanted to be the best! Maybe I’m not there, but I’m dang close. Now, I’m just hoping that going forward that effort is valued! That’s what I’m fighting for,” Clark tweeted on Saturday.
Earlier this week, Clark made another cryptic tweet that was clearly directed at ESPN’s management that it was time to make a decision and either pay him or let him walk. Of course, it seems that the decision still has not occurred yet, but Clark is without a deal, regardless at this point.
“The season is over. The deal is up. Time to make a decision,” Clark posted. “Either way it goes. The mission don’t change. I want to be the best doing it. Everyone should. I’m more motivated today than ever. I’m still the same #UndraftedFreeAgent!”
Clark has become one of ESPN’s brightest stars since joining the company following his retirement in 2014. He shares in his insight and perspective on several ESPN’s flagship properties, including SportsCenter with SVP, Get Up, NFL Live, FirstTake and other installments of SportsCenter.
A 13-year NFL veteran, Clark spent the bulk of his career in Pittsburgh, where he formed one of the league’s most fearsome safety tandems alongside Trot Polamalu.
In eight years with the Steelers, the hard-hitting Clark tallied 667 combined tackles, 44 passes defended, 12 interceptions, eleven tackles-for-loss and three forced fumbles.
He was selected to his lone Pro Bowl in 2011, and won Super Bowl XLIII with the Steelers.
