Ryan Clark-Peter Schrager beef, explained: What to know about viral on-air segment, fallout with ESPN analysts

David Suggs

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Ryan Clark-Peter Schrager beef, explained: What to know about viral on-air segment, fallout with ESPN analysts image

Ryan Clark has been the subject of a lot of headlines over the past year or so. The former Steelers and Commanders safety successfully parlayed his playing exploits into a steady gig on various ESPN programs.

An outspoken presence on shows like "NFL Live", Clark long has drawn praise for his candor. In recent months, however, that trait has become an issue among his colleagues -- especially after Clark locked horns with fellow ESPN analyst Peter Schrager on a recent episode of "Get Up".

Here's everything you need to know about the quarrel between Clark and Schrager that has taken the sports media world by storm.

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Ryan Clark-Peter Schrager beef, explained

Clark and Schrager's feud surfaced during a Sept. 5 episode of "Get Up." While discussing the Cowboys' 24-20 loss to the Eagles, Clark and Schrager got into a tiff.

The segment saw the two men discussing the role CeeDee Lamb's dropped passes played in the Dallas loss. Schrager argued that Lamb -- who had seven catches for 110 yards -- had a better performance than that Philadelphia WR AJ Brown, who had one catch for eight yards.

“Are you saying A.J. Brown had a better day than CeeDee Lamb?” Schrager asked fellow "Get Up" colleague Dan Orlovsky.

Clark interjected, claiming that Schrager's perspective as a non-player was flawed.

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“We shouldn’t do this on TV, so I apologize if people think this is rude: That’s the non-player in you," Clark said.

Schrager, who was hired by ESPN in April after a decade with NFL Network, bristled at Clark's slight.

“Oh, stop… Ryan, don’t belittle me like that,” Schrager said. “I can come in and say, as three ex-players are saying one thing, and give an alternative perspective.”

"Get Up" host Mike Greenberg appeared to make a "cut" sign with his hands. Clark kept his rant going, however, telling Schrager to"let [him] finish for one." The interaction went viral on social media and prompted Clark to issue an apology on his X account while live-tweeting the Chiefs-Chargers game on Friday evening.

“Today, I had an interaction with my colleague @PSchrags both on and off the air that I regret,” Clark tweeted. “I have apologized to Peter and taken accountability with ESPN leadership. I value working with Peter and look forward to this season. My focus will remain on professionalism, teamwork, and being a better teammate moving forward.”

An ESPN veteran who has been with the company since 2015, Clark has earned plaudits for his candor and knowledge of the sport. He was given a Sports Emmy for "Outstanding Personality/Studio Analyst" in 2023 and was promoted to the "NFL Live" and "Monday Night Countdown" casts. He's found himself in hot water in recent months, however.

In May 2025, Clark and former ESPN colleague Robert Griffin III got into a high-profile spat around Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark and race. Clark mentioned Griffin's wife by name during the feud and later apologized for doing so.

“To Grete, I was out of line, I was out of bounds, I apologize,” Clark said in a video posted on X.

There were no immediate repercussions for Clark for his dispute with Schrager. The duo looked to have settled their quarrel during a Sept. 8 episode of "NFL Live", delivering a fist-bump to start ht episode. 

David Suggs

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.