Molly Qerim has been a steady presence on ESPN mornings for nearly a decade, guiding First Take through heated debates, superstar guests, and countless viral moments. But as 2025 winds down, she’s preparing for her own next chapter. Qerim recently shared on Instagram that she’ll leave ESPN at the end of the year, closing a 20-year run that made her one of the most recognizable faces in sports media.
The announcement sparked immediate questions: what’s next for her career, and just as curiously, where does her personal life stand now? Fans who have welcomed her into their homes every morning suddenly wanted to know more about the woman behind the moderator’s desk.
Before diving into rumors and reality, it’s worth remembering how Qerim built her reputation. She joined ESPN in 2006, worked her way up from digital content to prime hosting duties, and in 2015 stepped into the First Take moderator chair. From Super Bowls to NBA Drafts, she’s handled some of the biggest stages in sports broadcasting. Along the way, she earned an Emmy and carved out a reputation as a trusted, stylish, and engaging voice.
Molly’s Marriage to Jalen Rose
Qerim’s most public relationship came with former NBA player and ESPN analyst Jalen Rose. They began dating in 2016 and quietly married in New York in 2018. By 2021, though, the pair had gone their separate ways. Rose announced the divorce on Instagram, stressing their mutual respect and friendship. For Qerim, the split became another balancing act-navigating personal change while keeping her professional role steady on live television.
Rumors About Stephen A. Smith
Not long after the divorce, gossip blogs and Twitter threads began linking Qerim to her co-host Stephen A. Smith. The chatter mainly stemmed from their on-air chemistry, but both have dismissed the idea. Smith called the speculation “ridiculous,” while Rose later told GQ he found the rumors “laughable.” Still, the whispers lingered online, feeding into the public’s fascination with sports TV’s most-watched duo.
Why Fans Still Can’t Stop Talking About Molly’s Love Life
Even after denying speculation, Qerim’s name tends to trend whenever her co-hosts or past marriage are mentioned. It’s a sign of her visibility-few in sports media carry the same blend of credibility and intrigue.
Today, Qerim appears focused on herself: her health, her career beyond ESPN, and her role as an advocate. She’s spoken openly about battling Stage IV endometriosis, even sharing details about recent surgery in March 2025. That kind of honesty has only strengthened her connection with fans, who see her not just as a broadcaster but as someone navigating real struggles with resilience.
So, is Molly Qerim dating anyone now? The answer seems simple-no. For now, she’s single, steering her own future, and preparing to leave First Take on her own terms.
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