Stephen A. Smith, the larger-than-life ESPN personality, just shook up the sports and political worlds with a jaw-dropping announcement. The First Take host revealed on April 7, 2025, that he’s seriously considering a run for President of the United States in 2028. Yes, you read that right-the man known for his fiery sports takes might be trading the studio for the campaign trail. And honestly, it’s not as wild as it sounds when you dig into the details.
Smith dropped the bombshell during an interview at the NAB Show in Las Vegas, where he was chatting with McVay Media President Mike McVay. “I’ve decided that I’m no longer going to close that door,” he said, sparking instant buzz.
“I’m going to keep my options open. I’m going to entertain the possibility.” This isn’t just idle chatter-Smith’s been hinting at political ambitions for months, and now he’s making it official: he’s not ruling out a White House bid. With his knack for commanding a room (or a TV screen), it’s easy to see why people are taking this seriously.
So, what’s pushing him toward this? Smith’s fed up with the state of things. “I’m sick of this mess,” he posted on X the same day, hinting at his frustration with the current political landscape. He’s been vocal about the U.S.’s two-party system, once calling it “a joke” in a Daily Mail interview. Add to that his confidence-he’s claimed he could “beat every candidate” in a debate-and you’ve got a recipe for a candidacy that could shake things up.
Sports star to Commander-in-Chief?
This isn’t the first time Smith’s name has popped up in political chatter. A January 2025 McLaughlin & Associates poll showed him snagging 2% in a hypothetical Democratic primary, outpacing some seasoned politicians like Beto O’Rourke.
“If it comes in late 2026, 2027, where I look at this country and think it’s an absolute mess… I am not going to rule it out,” he told the NAB crowd. That’s a man who’s not just talking the talk-he’s ready to walk it, too.
From roasting NBA stars to maybe running the nation, Smith’s journey is anything but predictable. Whether he’s serious or just flexing his larger-than-life persona, one thing’s clear: Stephen A. Smith knows how to keep us all on our toes.
