Stephen A. Smith speaking at event.
Stephen A. Smith (Photo by: Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

Amid speculation that Stephen A. Smith could run for the 2028 United States presidential election, the popular NFL ESPN analyst opened up on why he’s never tied the knot as his 58th birthday in October approaches.

Of course, most high-profile celebrities (actors, musicians, athletes, politicians. etc.) get married at least once in their lifetime. Smith has enjoyed countless memorable experiences in his life, but marriage is not one of them.

Smith rarely talks about his personal life, but the longtime ESPN talent recently went into detail about why he’s never married despite his status as a prominent sports media personality.

Speaking on Cam’ron’s “Talk With Flee” podcast, Stephen A. Smith explained that his demanding schedule with the Worldwide Leader in Sports. Smith noted that he works at least 330 days annually, including Thanksgiving and Christmas:

“I know that it’s hard, I know that it’s worn on some people as well,” he said. “It is the reason why I’ve never been married, because I was on the road 200 days out of the year and the fact of the matter is at that time it was no way in hell I was going to be faithful. I knew that, so why the hell am I going to sit up there and violate my marital vows knowing ahead of time I ain’t going to honor them?”

 

Smith, who has two daughters, revealed in a 2019 interview with GQ that he was previously engaged. When asked why the engagement with the unnamed woman never worked out, he declined further comment.

His former ESPN “First Take” colleague, Skip Bayless, didn’t get married until he was 64 years of age in 2016. That’s just another reminder that it’s never too late to find love or tie the knot with somebody.

Stephen A. Smith Expected To Sign New Massive Deal With ESPN Soon

Stephen A. Smith criticized NBA players for viewing the league as a bank
Stephen A. Smith (Photo by Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)

Smith’s current deal with ESPN is set to expire at some point in 2025. It has been widely reported that the two sides are expected to agree on a multi-year extension, one that will pay him over $100 million.

Love or hate Smith, he’s one of the most entertaining sports media personalities with a giant army of fans. He’s delivered massive ratings for the Worldwide Leader in Sports (“First Take” crushed Bayless’ “Undisputed” show on FS1 in viewership), and ESPN knows just how valuable he is to their program.

So don’t expect Mr. Smith to go anywhere. When all is said and done, he’ll likely have signed a new deal that’ll take him well into his 60s.