Joy Taylor Addresses Molly Qerim’s Surprise Exit From ESPN First Take

Fox Sports broadcaster Joy Taylor has weighed in on the surprise departure of ESPN’s First Take host Molly Qerim, calling her “one of the best in the business” and praising her composure and command as moderator on the long-running morning debate show.

In an October 3 interview on The Bootleg Kev Podcast, Taylor addressed Qerim’s sudden exit from First Take last month, saying she had “no insight” into what led to the move but spoke glowingly of her colleague’s talent and professionalism.

“I love Molly, she’s great,” Taylor said. “She’s done such a great job on that show. Having done that job myself, I know it’s not easy. It requires a lot of emotional intelligence, on top of being a great broadcaster.”

Bootleg Kev suggested that a joint podcast featuring Taylor and Qerim could be “the best of both networks coming together,” but Taylor steered the conversation toward respect for Qerim’s role. She reflected on her own experience moderating Undisputed during its early days alongside Skip Bayless and Shannon Sharpe, explaining that Qerim’s position demands an uncommon balance of control and timing.

“People don’t realize how hard it is to moderate,” Taylor said. “You have to know how to go to break, how to properly interrupt people, and how to keep the show moving when emotions get high. Molly’s so good at that — she’s invaluable to how that works.”

Joy Taylor Speaks On Molly Qerim’s Exit From ESPN

Qerim, who joined First Take in 2015, helped guide some of ESPN’s most heated on-air moments between Stephen A. Smith and a rotating cast of co-hosts. Her decision to step down caught many in the industry off guard, though she has not publicly commented on the reason.

Taylor said she’ll be watching closely to see who ESPN taps to replace Qerim but expressed full confidence in her friend’s future. “Whatever she does next, she’s going to do a great job,” she said.

Taylor’s remarks highlight the mutual respect between two of sports broadcasting’s most influential women — both of whom helped define the modern debate format on rival networks.