Molly Qerim
Molly Qerim is an American sportscaster and television show host known for hosting ESPN's First Take. She has also presented NFL programming, covered mixed martial arts and major sporting events, and hosted broadcasts for Zuffa Boxing on Paramount+.
Marriage and endometriosis
Qerim was married to former NBA player and fellow ESPN host Jalen Rose from 2018 to 2021. Rose filed for divorce in December 2021 after the couple had separated for about a year.
In April 2018, Qerim announced that she had severe endometriosis. She later discussed undergoing surgery after a 12-year struggle with the condition and used her experience to support endometriosis awareness.
First Take
Qerim became the interim host of ESPN2's First Take in July 2015, replacing Cari Champion. She was appointed the program's permanent host on September 15, 2015, moderating debates involving Stephen A. Smith and other analysts.
She left First Take in 2025 after deciding to step away from the program. Smith paid tribute to her after her departure and described her as a friend and a person on whom he had relied.
College football, MMA and major sporting events
Qerim began her broadcasting career as an anchor and reporter for CBS Sports Network, covering college football, basketball and events including National Signing Day, the NCAA Tournament and the U.S. Open. She also hosted studio programs such as SEC Tailgate Show, SEC Tonight, Full Court Press and Bracket Breakdown.
In 2008, she became the interactive host of College Football Live on ESPN and ESPN2. She also worked as a breaking-news reporter for Fantasy Football Now on ESPN2, earning an Emmy for her contribution to the program, and co-hosted Campus Connection on ESPNU.
Her sports coverage has included UFC events for ESPN, Versus and FS1, as well as multiple Super Bowls, the Heisman Trophy presentation, the NBA draft, the NBA All-Star Game and the MLB All-Star Game. She has also co-hosted the annual World MMA Awards.
Broadcasting after ESPN
In 2026, Qerim announced that she would host broadcasts for the Zuffa Boxing promotion on Paramount+. The program's on-air talent includes Max Kellerman, her former First Take co-host.
Following her ESPN departure, Qerim moderated a question-and-answer session at the University of Connecticut with men's basketball coach Dan Hurley. She has also been inducted into Quinnipiac University's inaugural Hall of Fame class.
Quick facts
- Qerim earned an Emmy for her contribution as a breaking-news reporter on ESPN2's Fantasy Football Now.
- She became the permanent host of ESPN's First Take on September 15, 2015, after serving as its interim host.
- She previously hosted NFL Network's NFL AM and NFL Fantasy Live.
- She covered the UFC for ESPN, Versus and FS1.
- She co-hosted the annual World MMA Awards several times.
- Her event coverage has included multiple Super Bowls, the Heisman Trophy presentation, the NBA draft, the NBA All-Star Game and the MLB All-Star Game.
- Qerim announced in 2018 that she had severe endometriosis.
- She discussed undergoing surgery after a 12-year struggle with endometriosis.
- She was inducted into Quinnipiac University's inaugural Hall of Fame class in 2020.
- After leaving First Take, she moderated a University of Connecticut question-and-answer session with men's basketball coach Dan Hurley.
- In 2026, she announced that she would host broadcasts for Zuffa Boxing on Paramount+.
- Max Kellerman is part of the Zuffa Boxing program's on-air talent after previously co-hosting First Take with Qerim.
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