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.
โAll love to my brothers Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder. I appreciate their words and sincerity. Itโs no longer a secret that my contract with ESPN has expired. Heck, Iโm the reason itโs no longer a secret. Iโm so grateful for the decade of work they allowed me to do on the worldโs greatest sports platform. I know I had to represent in a way that reflected well on them, my community, my family, & myself. Thatโs all Iโve worked to do. Iโve busted my tail since getting the job because I wanted to be the best! Maybe Iโm not there, but Iโm dang close. Now, Iโm just hoping that going forward that effort is valued! Thatโs what Iโm fighting for,โ Clark tweeted on Saturday.
Earlier this week, Clark made another cryptic tweet that was clearly directed at ESPNโs 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.
โThe season is over. The deal is up. Time to make a decision,โ Clark posted. โEither way it goes. The mission donโt change. I want to be the best doing it. Everyone should. Iโm more motivated today than ever. Iโm still the same #UndraftedFreeAgent!โ
Clark has become one of ESPNโs brightest stars since joining the company following his retirement in 2014. He shares in his insight and perspective on several ESPNโs 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 leagueโs 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.
