ESPN’s Ryan Clark turned heads on Monday night while appearing as an analyst for the network ahead of the wild-card matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Speaking alongside Scott Van Pelt, Rex Ryan, and Marcus Spears, Clark offered his insight into the matchup while sporting an impressive red vest, with some viewers believing him to be shirtless underneath.
A clean sweep with the Monday Night Countdown pregame picks on ESPN.
Marcus Spears, Rex Ryan, Ryan Clark, and Scott Van Pelt are all taking the Bucs over the Eagles.
"That's bad news. This never works out. Philly, you should feel great." – SVP 🏈🎙️😂 #MNF pic.twitter.com/i4dg8MUNV4
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 16, 2024
Fans and commentators alike jumped in on Clark’s look, doing a double-take to make sure he had a shirt on underneath his sharp jacket.
really thought ryan clark had no shirt on for a second there
— Katie Nolan (probably) (@katienolan) January 16, 2024
At first glance I didn't think Ryan Clark was wearing a shirt pic.twitter.com/keNyEgkO9Z
— Logi Berra (@logi_berra) January 16, 2024
I thought Ryan Clark was wearing a suit jacket with no shirt underneath
— Conley (@Conley76) January 16, 2024
It looked like Ryan Clark didn’t have on a shirt at first😂😂😂
— D. (@dtpalmerrr) January 16, 2024
Just realized Ryan Clark is actually wearing a shirt and feel better about things now. #PHIvsTB
— Jon McCarthy (@jonmccarthySUN) January 16, 2024
Why does Ryan Clark not have on a shirt???
— Bre (@bre3lise) January 16, 2024
The conversation got so loud that Clark was eventually compelled to set the record straight.
Back on the set after the game, Clark insisted to SVP and viewers at home that yes, of course, he was wearing a shirt.
“I do have on a shirt guys,” Clark insisted. “I’m not on TV naked.”
"I do have on a shirt, guys. I'm not on TV naked." – Ryan Clark
"When you're an All-Pro safety, though, you can come out nearly butt-ass naked." – SVP
"I'm an NFL analyst. I can't come out here with my chest open like Louis Riddick." – Clark 🏈🤣 pic.twitter.com/aMM6wd2o97
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 16, 2024
Somehow, this isn’t the first time this NFL season that an ESPN commentator’s skin-toned clothing choice resulted in confusion for the viewing audience, with Dan Orlovsky previously needing to clarify that he was, in fact, wearing pants while calling a game.
No doubt Orlovsky is happy to now have some company in this exclusive club.
