Erin Andrews had a moment to reflect.
The seasoned Fox Sports reporter recently addressed various media comments about her remarks on the podcast “Calm Down,” where she discussed the sacrifices made in both personal life and work, especially during holidays. In the latest episode, she shared what she misses personally and asserted the importance of loving one’s job, as it often requires giving up certain life events.
Jenna Lane, an ESPN reporter focused on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, shared that Andrews’ comments nudged her to think about the struggles of others facing tougher circumstances. Lane expressed on social media that while she resonates with Andrews’ challenges, she also thinks of people working multiple jobs just to survive. “They don’t have time with their families; this would be a dream for them,” she noted. “We need to consider the broader reality a bit more.”
Lane emphasized her respect for Andrews and highlighted that the conversation sparked significant online dialogue. She clarified that her intent was not to single out Andrews negatively but to acknowledge a more collective experience of loneliness tied to work. “Happy Thanksgiving, everyone,” she concluded.
Trey Wingo, who previously hosted ESPN’s NFL segment, also chimed in. He shared a post about Andrews’ comments, suggesting that it reflects the nature of their profession. Andrews replied, emphasizing she was not complaining but rather discussing the realities of being a sideline reporter, including the hard work and dedication it requires.
Andrews subsequently responded to Lane directly. She explained that her original comments were aimed at shedding light on the nature of the job, not to elicit sympathy. “It’s not just about being on camera or with athletes,” she pointed out. Andrews also addressed criticism from NFL news aggregator Dov Kleiman for how her remarks were interpreted, reiterating that she faced undue backlash for simply discussing her profession.
Despite the chatter, Andrews remains focused. She stated, “You have to genuinely love your job, or else you might miss out on important moments in life. I do love what I do, even if it means missing Thanksgiving.” She will be on the sidelines during the Packers-Lions Thanksgiving match as part of Fox Sports’ main broadcast team.
Reflecting on her career journey, Andrews recounted advice from an early mentor about the realities one must accept in the industry. “If you don’t want to work holidays, or go through tough criticism, this isn’t the profession for you,” she recalled. “It’s essential to find joy in what you do, even when you’re away from home during significant occasions.”
Andrews transitioned from ESPN to Fox Sports in 2012, a move that has shaped her career in sports journalism.
