ESPN President Says Stephen A. Smith's Role Covering NFL Could Expand Even Further

Stephen A. Smith , American sports television personality, waves to the crowd while walking the field before the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers. | Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

One wouldn't think there was much more television real estate on ESPN's airwaves that Stephen A. Smith can possibly occupy, but network president Jimmy Pitaro doesn't agree. There is a very real chance that the First Take star could expand his role in ESPN's NFL coverage.

On top of his First Take duties, Smith is a major part of the network's NBA coverage, joining NBA Countdown in 2021. He also pops up across ESPN's daytime programming, including Get Up and SportsCenter, and has bolstered his public brand with his eponymous podcast, which veers into news and pop culture, regular appearances on a range of political talk shows and even his occasional foray into acting and flirtation with running for public office.