Who is Molly Qerim? All about the ESPN anchor as she announces a break from "First Take"

TV personality and ESPN anchor Molly Qerim has announced a hiatus from the sports talk program First Take. Qerim has been with the show since 2015. During the weekend, she took to her Instagram and shared a post, writing:

“Another NBA szn in the books. Thank y’all for rocking with us 10 yrs & counting. Time to work on my tan-lines, shut my brain off & be with the fam. See ya in a few weeks. Grateful always, MQ.”

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For the unversed, Molly Qerim won an Emmy for Fantasy Football Now. She was a student at the University of Connecticut, where she studied Communications. Qerim went to Quinnipiac University, from where she earned her postgraduate degree in broadcast journalism.

She joined ESPN in 2006. However, she left the company to work with CBS Sports and NFL Network. She returned to the network in 2015. As per the official website, Qerim has been an ambassador for the Boys & Girls Club of America and also works for other social causes.

Molly Qerim married Jalen Rose in 2018, but they are now separated. Speaking to New Era Cup in March 2025, she reflected on her career, saying:

“I always knew that I wanted to be a journalist or a TV host from a very young age, I would say probably about 12 years old. I remember buying magazines and ripping out profiles and bios on different journalists and TV hosts and studying them and their path so I knew that's what I always wanted to do and then the goal was to build a platform and help as many people as I can and that's still the goal today.”

What is Molly Qerim’s favorite time at work?

Molly Qerim shared with New Era Cup that there were times when she questioned herself and still experienced self-doubt. During those moments, she found it important to pause, reflect, and have an honest internal conversation about her next steps.

She acknowledged that life could be challenging, whether one chooses to give up or keep pushing forward. So, she always chose to keep moving ahead, leaning on her faith for strength. Reflecting on work, she said:

“My favorite time at work is either when I'm on set with the guys and we're just cracking jokes on each other, having a good time. Also interviewing, I'm really fascinated by people when I can connect and learn from them and hear their story.”

Molly Qerim went on:

“In terms of the athletes, you just want to convey the truth their story you want to inform the viewer and also hopefully entertain them sports are hopefully a respite.”

Molly Qerim expressed that, for her, no single woman stood out the most in sports culture. Instead, she admired every woman who showed up and did their job every day in a male-dominated space, whether they were a major athlete or someone handling smaller tasks like getting water or towels.

She respected them all equally and believed they were part of the same team, becoming stronger and better together.

Also Read: ESPN anchor Jay Harris reveals cancer diagnosis on 'Good Morning America'

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