After First Take fans caught a glimpse of Courtney Cronin, they are calling on ESPN to give the NFL reporter a more prominent role on the network.
Cronin, 33, has been filling in for anchor Stephen A. Smith. During her stint, the veteran reporter showcased her knowledge to a national audience and left viewers asking for more airtime.
Although her stint on the show is temporary, Cronin has impressed First Take fans, who have taken to social media to share their praise.
“I’m going to scream this on my deathbed but Andraya Carter should be an NBA star for ESPN and Courtney Cronin for the NFL,” one user wrote on X.
‘People who know how to play ball should not be treated like second-class citizens, while idiots who shout nonsense without substance get promoted.’
Fans insisted ESPN Chicago Bears reported Courtney Cronin should get more airtime
Cronin earned some time on the show while Molly Qerim and Stephen A. Smith were away
“It was cool seeing you there! Need to CC more often,” added another.
“CC = Game-changer,” added a third after Cronin posted a behind-the-scenes photo from the First Take office.
Molly Qerim returned to the programme on Thursday morning after a long holiday, co-hosting the show with Cronin and radio presenter Harry Douglas.
After stints at the NCAA, The Clarion-Ledger and The Mercury News, Cronin joined ESPN in 2017 as a reporter and national radio host covering the Minnesota Vikings. In 2022, she moved her footprint from the Vikings to the Chicago Bears, while maintaining her position on the airwaves.
Smith, Qerim and NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe will be the main hosts of First Take
Smith is in the midst of contract negotiations with ESPN, which could earn him $100 million
While Qerim has returned to the highly rated morning program, Smith is still on vacation as he awaits the renewal of his contract with the network.
Smith, who is arguably ESPN’s biggest personality, could rake in the network’s first $100 million if he gets his desired pay raise.
The first version underwent a huge overhaul less than a year ago when NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe retired from FS1.
Other regular analysts on 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.
