First Take viewers think female ESPN analyst should be new NFL lead

After getting a glimpse of Courtney Cronin, First Take fans are calling for ESPN to give the NFL reporter a more prominent role in the network. 

Cronin, 33, has been filling in for host Stephen A. Smith. While subbing in, the veteran reporter has showcased her knowledge in front of a national audience and had viewers calling for more airtime. 

While her tenure in the program is temporary, Cronin has impressed the First Take fanbase – who are letting their praises be known on social media. 

‘Going to scream this on my deathbed but Andraya Carter should be a NBA lead for ESPN and Courtney Cronin for the NFL,’ a user posted on on X. 

‘Ball knowers should not be treated like second class while buffoons yelling s*** with no substance get promoted.’ 

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‘Been bada** seeing you on there! Need it more often CC,’ another added. 

‘CC = Game-changer,’ a third added after Cronin posted a behind-the-scenes photo of the First Take desk. 

Molly Qerim returned to the program after a long vacation on Thursday morning and ran the show alongside Cronin and radio host Harry Douglas. 

After holding positions with the NCAA, The Clarion-Ledger, and The Mercury News, Cronin joined ESPN in 2017 as a Minnesota Vikings reporter and national radio host. By 2022, she shifted her beat from the Vikings to the Chicago Bears while maintaining her position on the airwaves. 

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While Qerim has returned to the highly-rated morning program, Smith is still on vacation while he waits to renew his contract with the network. 

Smith, who is arguably ESPN’s biggest personality, could become the network’s first $100million if granted his desired pay raise. 

First take went through a massive change less than a year ago when NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe jumped ship from FS1. 

Furthermore, other regular analysts in the program include Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo, Ryan Clark, Kendrick Perkins, and JJ Redick before he took the head coaching job with the Los Angeles Lakers.