In July, ESPN decided to part ways with Ryan Clark, who is both a former NFL player and an analyst for the network.
However, rather than wallowing in disappointment, Clark took the opportunity to focus on his own media venture, Pivot25 Productions, notably enhancing “The Pivot” podcast, which boasts over a million subscribers on YouTube and recently struck a streaming agreement with Netflix.
This move seems to have paid off. On Tuesday, news emerged that Clark and his production company have received an investment from Howard Schultz, the ex-CEO of Starbucks.
A press release indicated that Schultz intends to help transform Clark’s media business into a “lasting media enterprise.”
Clark, who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers for eight seasons and was part of the team that won Super Bowl XLIII, also commented on this news on X on Tuesday morning, saying, “New days and continued blessings. Building a relationship with Howard Schultz has taught me so much about business already. I’m excited to continue to learn & grow with him as a partner. As the saying goes, ‘Onward & Upward’.”
Throughout the entire process, Clark has maintained a professional demeanor when discussing his departure from ESPN.
Nevertheless, this investment from Schultz must feel rewarding for Clark—not just because of the financial support, but also in light of how ESPN’s decision appears with this new development.
