Shae Cornette is an American sports broadcaster and the host of ESPN’s First Take alongside Stephen A. Smith. Born and raised in the Chicago area, she worked her way up from local TV in Chicago to one of the biggest morning sports shows in the country. She is also a wife, a mom of two, and a stepmom.
Shae Cornette Wikipedia
Shae Cornette was born Shae Peppler on August 20, 1986, and grew up in Park Ridge, Illinois, a suburb close to Chicago. She grew up around sports and later studied at Indiana University Bloomington.
At first, Shae wanted to become a marine biologist. Then she took a public speaking class during her first semester in college, and everything changed. She did so well that she switched her focus to broadcast journalism.
She earned her degree in broadcast journalism and also studied kinesiology. While still in college, she interned at MTV Networks and Showtime Networks. She also worked as a production assistant for CBS during Chicago Bears games.
Today, she is best known as the face of ESPN’s First Take, a role she took over in November 2025.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shae Peppler Cornette |
| Nickname | Shae Peppler |
| Profession | Sports Broadcaster, TV and Radio Host |
| Date of Birth | August 20, 1986 |
| Age | 40 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Park Ridge, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Ethnicity | White American |
| Known For | Host of ESPN’s First Take |
Shae Cornette’s Height, Weight and Physical Appearance?
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | About 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
| Weight | Around 58 kg (128 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Body Type | Slim and fit |
Shae Cornette has a tall, slim look that fits well on camera. She stands at around 5 feet 7 inches and keeps a healthy weight of about 58 kg.
Her blonde hair and bright smile have become familiar to ESPN viewers every weekday morning. Staying fit is part of her lifestyle, as she loves cycling and spending time outdoors.
Fans also notice her sense of style. Her outfits on First Take often get attention on social media and in sports lifestyle news.
Shae Cornette Career
Shae started her career in Chicago. Her early jobs included work with the Big Ten Network and The Chicago Huddle on ABC 7. She also worked as an entertainment host for CelebTV.com.
Later, she joined Campus Insiders, which later became Stadium. She also worked as a correspondent for Morning Dose, a morning show that aired on CW stations in major US cities.
Her big break in Chicago came at Fox 32. She spent two years there as the main TV reporter covering the Chicago Bears. She anchored newscasts, hosted pre and post-game shows, and led her own weekly show called Bears Unleashed.
At the same time, she co-hosted Kap & Co. with David Kaplan on ESPN 1000 radio. The show was the top-rated program in its time slot.
In March 2020, she moved to Connecticut and joined ESPN. She co-hosted ESPN Radio’s GameDay with her husband and also hosted on SiriusXM NFL Radio. In October 2021, the couple took over the relaunched SportsNation on ESPN+.
She then became a regular SportsCenter anchor. In October 2025, ESPN named her the new host of First Take, replacing Molly Qerim. She made her debut on November 3, 2025, during a live show in Arlington, Texas.
Is she married? Who is Shae Cornette’s Husband?
Yes, Shae Cornette is happily married. Her husband is Jordan Cornette, a sports broadcaster and former basketball player at the University of Notre Dame.
The two met in 2014 while working together at Campus Insiders in Chicago. They started as friends, and their bond grew stronger during a very hard time in both of their lives.
Shae and Jordan tied the knot on June 1, 2019. In 2020, they made history as the first married couple to host a national show on ESPN Radio.
Together they have two children, son Joey (born April 2021) and daughter Saylor (born January 2023). Shae is also a stepmom to Carter, Jordan’s son from his first marriage.
Shae Cornette’s Net Worth 2026
| Year | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.2 Million |
| 2024 | $1.5 Million |
| 2025 | $2 Million |
| 2026 (Current) | $3 Million |
Shae Cornette’s estimated net worth in 2026 is around $3 million. Most of her money comes from her work at ESPN, where she has hosted TV and radio shows since 2020.
Her biggest jump came in late 2025 when she became the host of First Take. It is one of ESPN’s most-watched shows, so the role likely came with a big pay raise.
She also earns from speaking events, as she is listed with speaker booking agencies. Her years of work in Chicago media helped build her savings early on. With her rising profile, her wealth is expected to keep growing.
Family Background
Shae was born into a sports-loving family in the Chicago area. She grew up in Park Ridge, Illinois, where her love for games like football and basketball started early.
Her family went through a tough time when her sister was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Around the same period, Jordan lost his older brother, Joel Cornette, a former Butler basketball star who passed away suddenly at age 35.
Those shared struggles brought Shae and Jordan closer. Today, they live in Connecticut with their kids and their dog. Her stepson Carter lives in Florida with his mom and is a state champion swimmer.
Major Events in Shae Cornette’s Life
- 2014: Met Jordan Cornette while working at Campus Insiders.
- 2019: Married Jordan on June 1.
- 2020: Left Fox 32 and ESPN 1000, moved to Connecticut, and joined ESPN Radio’s GameDay.
- 2021: Welcomed son Joey in April and started hosting SportsNation on ESPN+.
- 2023: Welcomed daughter Saylor in January.
- 2025: Named the new host of First Take on October 16 and debuted on November 3.
- 2026: Settled into her First Take role and shared in interviews that she is finding her groove on the show.
Lesser-Known Facts About Shae Cornette
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Dream | Wanted to be a marine biologist |
| Dog’s Name | Kobe, named after Kobe Bryant |
| Charity Work | Co-founded “Fashion’s Fight Against Cancer” |
| Foundation | Supports the Joel Cornette Foundation for athletes’ heart health |
| Hobbies | Cycling, interior design, time by the water |
| College Interests | Studied kinesiology along with journalism |
Shae’s dog Kobe has a special story. He was born on the same day basketball legend Kobe Bryant passed away, so she named him in his honor.
She gives a lot of her time to charity. She co-founded “Fashion’s Fight Against Cancer,” a cause close to her heart after her sister’s illness. She also supports the Joel Cornette Foundation, which raises money for heart health in athletes.
Away from the camera, she loves interior design and enjoys decorating her home. She also likes cycling and spending lazy days near the water with her family.
Here is a fun one: even though she is a proud Indiana Hoosier, she often cheers for Notre Dame football on social media because of her husband.
Shae Cornette Social Media
Shae Cornette is active on social media and uses the same handle on her main accounts.
- Instagram (@shaepeppler): This is her most active platform. She posts behind-the-scenes moments from First Take, family photos, and her on-air outfits. Her post after her first First Take episode got a flood of support from fans.
- X/Twitter (@shaepeppler): She has been on X since February 2009. She shares ESPN updates, sports thoughts, and news about her shows. Her bio proudly mentions she is a Hoosier and a mom.
Her following has grown fast since she took over First Take.
FAQs
1. How old is Shae Cornette?
Shae Cornette was born on August 20, 1986, so she is 40 years old in 2026.
2. How tall is Shae Cornette?
She stands at about 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm).
3. Who is Shae Cornette’s husband?
Her husband is Jordan Cornette, a sports broadcaster and former Notre Dame basketball player. They married on June 1, 2019.
4. What is Shae Cornette’s nationality?
She is American and was raised in Park Ridge, Illinois.
5. What does Shae Cornette do?
She is a sports broadcaster and the host of ESPN’s First Take with Stephen A. Smith.