First Take Host Molly Qerim’s Relationship Status: Her Marriage, Rumored Boyfriend & Current Status

Molly Qerim, the longtime host of ESPN’s First Take, recently announced that she’ll be leaving the network at the end of 2025, closing the chapter on nearly 20 years at ESPN. She shared the news through a heartfelt Instagram Story, thanking coworkers, fans, and everyone who’s been part of her journey. Hosting First Take, she said, has been one of the greatest honors of her career. Still, despite being offered a new contract, Qerim has chosen to move on and explore new opportunities.

Naturally, Qerim’s announcement has sparked interest not only in what she’ll pursue professionally but also in her personal life. Viewers who have followed her every morning now wonder about the person behind the TV persona. Who supports her away from the spotlight? Who keeps her grounded when the lights and cameras are off? Let’s dive into the First Take anchor’s life as curiosity about Molly Qerim’s personal journey grows stronger.

Who is the First Take host Molly Qerim?

Molly Qerim has become one of the most recognizable figures in sports broadcasting, best known as the steady voice and host of ESPN’s First Take. Her journey with ESPN began in 2006, where she first worked on digital content, film features, and exclusive interviews before officially joining the news team in 2008. From there, her versatility quickly shone. She anchored programs like SEC Tailgate Show, SEC Tonight, MaxPreps Lemming Report, Full Court Press, and Bracket Breakdown. Beyond traditional sports, she also made her mark in the UFC world, covering major fights and co-hosting the annual World MMA Awards, proving her ability to thrive in any arena.

Her path to First Take started in 2015 when Cari Champion left the show. Molly, as an interim measure, stepped in as the host in mid-July, only to get rewarded lately. In September, she was officially named the permanent moderator. Beyond the studio, Molly has been a staple on the field and courtside. She has covered multiple Super Bowls, the Heisman Trophy presentation, NBA drafts and All-Star Games, MLB All-Star Games, and conducted interviews for ESPN.com and ESPN Mobile.

Molly even earned an Emmy for her contributions as the breaking news reporter on Fantasy Football Now, cementing her reputation as a trusted and engaging sports journalist. But her appeal isn’t just about sports.

Fans adore her style and charm, often looking to her for fashion inspiration as much as for sports insight. On top of that, she’s active in speaking engagements, charitable events, and guest appearances, proving her influence stretches far beyond the studio. From her early days at CBS Sports Network to becoming a permanent fixture on First Take, Molly Qerim has truly carved a space for herself as a multi-talented, beloved figure in the world of sports broadcasting.

Is Molly from First Take still married?

Molly Qerim was once married to former NBA player and fellow ESPN analyst Jalen Rose. The two first went public with their relationship in June 2016 and tied the knot in an intimate New York City ceremony in July 2018. However, after nearly three years together, the couple decided to part ways in 2021.

Rose announced their divorce on Instagram, writing, “After being separated for almost a year, Molly and I have officially decided to go our separate ways. We both agree remaining friends and colleagues is the best course of action for our relationship going forward. Please respect our privacy at this time.” TMZ later reported that the split followed Qerim’s move to Connecticut, where ESPN is headquartered, with Rose filing for divorce in April 2021. Though they never had children, Qerim handled the transition with grace, balancing her private life alongside her high-profile career.

Are Molly Qerim and Stephen A. Smith in a relationship?

Ever since Molly Qerim’s divorce from Jalen Rose, rumors swirled about a possible fling with her First Take co-host Stephen A. Smith, mostly because of their on-screen chemistry. But both stars have shut that down. Smith addressed it straight-up, joking, “There’s nothing going on,” making it clear the speculation was way off. Molly seemed to find the chatter just as funny, shaking her head at how quickly people jumped to conclusions, especially after the matching outfit incident that sparked the latest round of gossip.

Rose, meanwhile, admitted the rumors used to bother him, though he knew the truth. “It was trending, he was trending, she was trending, I was trending,” he told GQ, recalling how the speculation exploded. He added, “In my personal relationship, it was laughable to me, to see [Molly Qerim] and I mutually part ways, be in accord about why we’re parting ways, and still see people speculating on why. Not only speculating — in particular saying it was because her and Stephen A. Smith had a relationship.” Rose said he stayed silent because he knew it wasn’t true, even though the rumor “was heavy” for a while after the split.

How Molly balances career and personal life

Molly Qerim has always been candid about the balancing act between her personal life and a demanding career in sports media. In a 2017 interview with Uproxx, she admitted, “I think balance is everything we’re all trying to figure out, right?… Obviously, my career is demanding, but I love what I do at the same time. It’s just kind of prioritizing and working your schedule so you can make everything happen.” That honesty reflected the realities of her fast-paced life as one of ESPN’s most prominent faces, constantly juggling travel, live broadcasts, and public attention.

Even after her 2021 divorce from Jalen Rose, that philosophy carried through. The two remained on good terms, with Rose publicly affirming, “I got love for her; we were friends before we were married; we just didn’t work as a couple… We still 100.” His words highlighted not only the mutual respect between them but also Qerim’s ability to maintain meaningful relationships despite the glare of the spotlight. In an industry where public splits often turn messy, the way they handled theirs underscored her grace and professionalism.

On top of the pressures of a top-tier sports media career, Molly has been battling Stage IV endometriosis since 2018. She explained to The Endometriosis Foundation of America, “At 26, I was diagnosed with Stage IV Endometriosis. The endometrium was all over my organs.” Managing symptoms like fatigue, pelvic pain, and bloating while appearing live on television has often felt like a “second job” for her. She candidly admitted, “It can be frustrating because you’ll feel really good for a while, and then it hits and it’s like, ‘Ugh! You’re back.’ So it’s kind of like your body is naturally keeping you in check at all times.”

Despite the challenges, Molly continues to prioritize her health while maintaining her professional momentum. In March 2025, she shared about a “super difficult and delicate surgery” on Instagram, writing, “March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. I really hesitated on posting this, b/c I’m a very private person…but if I can help even 1 person…it’s worth it.”

Molly Qerim opened up about the challenges of discussing her reproductive health in a male-dominated industry. She admitted it wasn’t the “sexiest subject” and feared it might be held against her. Initially, after her diagnosis, she chose to keep it private, worried someone might think, “Oh well, she’s got this, she can’t do this job. She can’t hang, she can’t work these hours.” Despite these concerns, she takes pride in: “I have been working at ESPN for two-and-a-half years, and I have never called in sick once,” she said back in 2018.

Molly Qerim has built a remarkable career through talent, resilience, and dedication, balancing high-profile sports hosting with personal challenges. Her openness about health and life shows strength and authenticity, making her not just a trusted sports voice but an inspiring figure off-screen as well.