Ryan Clark Stirs Debate with Kanye West Quote While Defending Caleb Williams; Doubts Sam Darnold’s Injury Ahead of NFC Clash
Ryan Clark isn’t one to shy away from a bold take, and on Friday’s First Take, the former NFL safety turned ESPN analyst delivered one that had fans talking - both about football and, unexpectedly, Kanye West.
In a segment focused on Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, Clark leaned into a pop culture reference to make his point, quoting lyrics from West’s 2007 hit Stronger to back up his belief in Williams’ potential.
“A wise, wise Chicago philosopher once said, ‘nah, now that, that don’t kill me, can only make me stronger,’” Clark said, referencing the artist’s lyrics while urging fans and critics alike to stop doubting the No. 1 overall pick.
The quote set off a flurry of reactions online, with fans split on Clark’s choice of words. Some questioned the wisdom of calling Kanye West - a figure whose public image has been polarizing in recent years - a “philosopher.” Others, however, embraced the sentiment behind the lyrics, noting the power they carry when spoken in a different context.
Whether you agreed with Clark’s phrasing or not, the message was clear: he’s all in on Caleb Williams. And with the Bears continuing to build around their young quarterback, Clark’s support reflects a growing sentiment that Williams deserves patience - and belief - as he navigates the early stages of his NFL career.
Clark Questions Timing of Sam Darnold’s Injury Report
Later in the same show, Clark turned his attention to another quarterback - this time, Seattle’s Sam Darnold - and wasn’t nearly as sympathetic.
Darnold, who’s set to start in Saturday’s NFC Divisional Round matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, is reportedly dealing with a minor oblique injury. The issue is said to be on his non-throwing side and hasn’t kept him off the field, but Clark wasn’t buying the narrative.
“It sounds like the setup for an excuse,” Clark said. “It sounds like the things that you say before a game when you don't play well.
When the throws aren't where they're supposed to be. Everybody can point back and say, ‘but you have to remember he didn't get those first-team reps and his oblique was tight on Thursday.’”
It’s a pointed take, but one rooted in the reality of postseason pressure. Darnold, despite piloting the Seahawks to a 14-3 record and the NFC’s top seed, enters the playoffs with a glaring zero in the postseason win column. The stakes are high, and any sign of weakness - physical or otherwise - is going to be scrutinized.
Clark’s comments suggest he sees the injury report as more of a preemptive buffer than a real hurdle. And in a league where narratives shift fast, especially in January, Darnold’s performance against the 49ers will either silence the doubters or add fuel to the fire.
Bottom Line
Ryan Clark brought his usual mix of conviction and cultural flair to First Take, backing Caleb Williams with a quote that sparked more conversation than anyone probably expected - and casting a skeptical eye on Sam Darnold’s injury update ahead of a critical playoff game.
Love him or hate him, Clark knows how to keep the spotlight on the league’s most intriguing storylines. And with the postseason heating up, that spotlight’s only getting brighter.