ESPN hires Cam Newton as a “First Take” regular with Stephen A. Smith

ESPN is adding a former NFL MVP to its signature weekday series First recording.

The sports media giant has signed Cam Newton, with the former Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots quarterback primarily serving as a commentator for the company First recording.

Newton will do it First recording Debuting Friday, Oct. 11, during a live taping at Tennessee State University as part of the program's HBCU Roadshow.

The morning show, hosted by Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim, has become a staple of ESPN's programming between 10 a.m. and noon. Other First recording Commentators include Shannon Sharpe and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo.

“Cam Newton's addition to First recording brings an electrifying presence and expands our roster of high-profile personalities,” said David Roberts, executive vice president and managing editor of sports news and entertainment at ESPN. “His dynamic charisma, combined with high-profile debates alongside Stephen A. Smith, will create compelling, must-see television for fans.”

“I have always brought passion and energy to everything I do, and that will not change at ESPN,” Newton added. “I look forward to the opportunity to share my perspective and rub shoulders with the best in the industry. Fans can expect the same intensity I brought to the pitch, along with real conversations, bold approaches and lots of fun.”

Newton's addition comes as ESPN looks to recalibrate its talent roster and roster in preparation for a broader push into streaming next year. It has cut dozens of on-air personalities in the last year and added others like former Eagles star Jason Kelce and former Alabama coach Nick Saban.

And Smith, the star of First recordingHe's also positioning himself as part of ESPN's future (Smith is in contract negotiations with ESPN), and Newton will join a roster of regular commentators ready to discuss breaking sports news. The host told The Hollywood Reporter last month that he himself was focusing on the changing media landscape.

“When we talk about adaptation, ESPN is adapting from the standpoint of the media landscape, the emergence of podcasting and podcasters, the digital stratosphere, YouTube becoming the new television platform in many people's eyes, and adapting to the excessive amount of die Competition comes from elsewhere and says, 'Okay, how do we maintain our relevance and ultimately continue to stand out from the crowd?'” Smith said. “That is the challenge facing ESPN, and I see myself as a critical component in ensuring that this remains the case at ESPN and Walt Disney.”