ESPN Weighs 5 Replacements for Ryan Clark on 140 Million-Viewer Super Bowl Show

2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 24

Five options are under consideration for ESPN's Super Bowl halftime panel after Ryan Clark's exit opened a seat on the network's first Super Bowl broadcast in February.
140 million viewers are expected for the game, raising the stakes for ESPN's choice as it keeps Jason Kelce, Marcus Spears and likely host Scott Van Pelt in place.
Kurt Warner is framed as the cleanest internal fit because ESPN now has access to him through NFL Network assets, though his Westwood One radio contract could complicate a halftime role.
Steve Smith Sr. and Dan Orlovsky also emerge as logical candidates, with Smith impressing executives on 'First Take' and Orlovsky offering a football-first profile despite scheduling hurdles.
Other paths include promoting a 'Sunday NFL Countdown' analyst or adding a current or recently retired player for a one-off appearance on the high-profile telecast.