By Leocciano Callao

Published: July 13, 2024, 11:25 PM PST | Updated: July 13, 2024, 11:28 PM PST

After making a brief appearance on First Take, viewers are calling for ESPN to give Courtney Cronin, an NFL reporter, a more permanent and prominent role on the network.

Cronin, an experienced reporter who joined ESPN in 2017, has been filling in for host Stephen A. Smith. During her time on the show, she has impressed the audience with her extensive knowledge and engaging presence, sparking calls for more airtime.

“Andraya Carter should be the lead NBA analyst for ESPN, and Courtney Cronin should lead the NFL coverage,” a fan suggested on Twitter, expressing a desire to see more women in prominent sports broadcasting roles. “It’s time to end the trend of prioritizing loudmouths who yell without substance over knowledgeable analysts.”

Fans suggested that ESPN give Chicago Bears reporter Courtney Cronin more airtime

Cronin filled in while Molly Qerim and Stephen A. Smith were away

Another fan added, “You’ve been killing it! We need to see more of you, CC,” while a third simply stated, “CC is a game-changer.”

Cronin’s temporary stint on First Take came while Molly Qerim, the regular host, was on an extended vacation. Qerim returned to the show on Thursday morning, joining Cronin and radio host Harry Douglas.

Before joining ESPN, Cronin held positions with the NCAA, The Clarion-Ledger, and The Mercury News. At ESPN, she initially served as a Minnesota Vikings reporter and national radio host before shifting her focus to the Chicago Bears in 2022 while continuing her radio work.

Smith, Qerim, and NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe are the primary hosts of First Take

Smith is in contract negotiations with ESPN, which could make him the network’s first $100 million earner

While Qerim has returned to the highly-rated morning show, Smith is still on vacation as he awaits the outcome of his contract negotiations with ESPN. Smith, one of ESPN’s biggest personalities, could become the network’s first $100 million earner if his desired pay raise is granted.

First Take underwent a significant change less than a year ago when NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe joined the show, leaving FS1. Other regular analysts on the program include Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo, Ryan Clark, Kendrick Perkins, and JJ Redick, who recently took on the role of head coach for the Los Angeles Lakers.