Stephen A. Smith isn’t exactly shy when it comes to sharing his opinions, but his latest comments took things to a whole new level. Appearing on CBS Sunday Morning, the longtime ESPN analyst didn't just weigh in on sports or politics-he floated the idea of running for President of the United States.
Yes, you read that right.
Smith, known for his fiery takes on First Take, hinted at a potential run as a Democratic candidate ahead of the 2028 election. And if you thought he’d ease into the conversation, think again. Smith went straight at the Trump administration’s immigration policies, voicing strong disapproval of how federal agents have handled border enforcement.
"Do I like what I’m seeing in the streets of America in terms of ICE grabbing people up, snatching people off the streets, detaining folks? No, I do not," Smith said. He followed that up with a pointed critique of the administration’s messaging, saying, "Do I like them saying, ‘Hey, we’re going after the criminals,’ and come to find out, your definition of criminals is anybody who crossed the border illegally… No, I don’t like that either."
That wasn’t all. Smith laid out a few pillars of what his leadership might look like if he were ever in charge. And in classic Stephen A. fashion, he didn’t mince words.
"Make no mistake about it, we wouldn’t have a border crisis under my watch," he declared. "Hell no.
We wouldn’t have this crime that exists in the streets of New York. You wouldn’t hear about me saying defund the police.
We ain’t defunding any police."
While he acknowledged that former President Donald Trump’s methods were flawed, Smith said he understood the motivation behind them-adding that the crisis Trump responded to was one created under President Joe Biden’s administration.
Smith’s political commentary may have raised eyebrows, but he wasn’t done making headlines. Later that same day, he pivoted back to the gridiron, weighing in on a major shake-up in the NFL: the Miami Dolphins’ release of Tyreek Hill.
Hill, an eight-time Pro Bowler and one of the most electrifying receivers in the league, suddenly finds himself on the open market. And according to Smith, there’s only one place he should be looking: back to where it all started.
"You know what? He should be targeting going back to Kansas City," Smith said on First Take. "He should want to go back and play with Patrick Mahomes because he is desperately needed."
Smith wasn’t knocking the Chiefs’ current receiving corps-he acknowledged the talent of Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice-but he made it clear that Hill brings a different kind of game-breaking explosiveness.
"They ain’t Tyreek Hill," Smith said. "They’re good, but I’m telling you right now, Tyreek Hill out there is something to behold when healthy."
And for Smith, the move wouldn’t just make sense on the field-it would be about unfinished business.
"He should want to go back because he should never have left," Smith added, pointing to Hill’s deep connection with Kansas City and the success he helped build there.
Hill was drafted by the Chiefs in the fifth round back in 2016 and quickly became one of Mahomes’ most dangerous weapons. Over six seasons in Kansas City, he racked up highlight after highlight and played a key role in the team’s Super Bowl win in 2020. After four years with the Dolphins, the idea of a reunion with Mahomes is more than just a feel-good story-it could be a game-changer in the AFC.
With the offseason heating up and Hill’s future now wide open, all eyes will be on Kansas City. If the Chiefs are serious about staying on top, a Tyreek Hill homecoming might be exactly what they need.