During the broadcast of the Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks in Santa Clara, California, Kayleigh Hartung, a sideline reporter for NBC Sports, shared how it’s somewhat tough to vocalize that she’ll be covering her first Super Bowl.
“I know it sounds cliché, but it really is a dream come true,” Hartung expressed. “It’s just amazing that I’m actually here. This is something I’ve been aiming for a long time.”
After the Super Bowl in 2026, Hartung is set to head to Milan for the Winter Olympics, covering the aerial and moguls freestyle skiing events.
“I’ve got to pack for different climates and events—it’s quite a challenge,” she remarked, playfully calling it a “fun problem.”
She had six large bags ready for her trips to Santa Clara and Milan, even texting photos to her colleagues as evidence.
“Preparing for the Olympics will be a bit easier. For the aerial and moguls, I’ll be decked out in NBC’s Ralph Lauren gear,” she mentioned, explaining that functionality is key, especially in unpredictable weather.
“I rely on my down jacket and layers. It definitely simplifies things.”
As an anchor for the “Today” show and a reporter for Amazon Prime Video’s “Thursday Night Football,” Hartung mentioned she was focusing on getting some rest before her West Coast commitments.
Reflecting on her life in New York, she said, “I’m really trying to enjoy it while I can—it feels fleeting.” She moved to her current apartment almost a year ago, right after the last Super Bowl, and noted it still lacks enough furniture, hinting at her desire to settle in and embrace city life after the Olympics.
Outside of her professional life, Hartung admitted she doesn’t really have hobbies but loves to travel. “Spending quality time matters the most to me,” she said. “My top priority in life revolves around the people I care about. I always strive to make time for them, no matter how busy I am.”
“Luckily, many of my friends share a passion for travel, so I’m always seizing those opportunities.”
Hartung’s career spans various fields—broadcasting hard news, sports, and entertainment. She’s previously worked with CNN, ESPN, and ABC News, appearing on popular programs like “Good Morning America” and “World News Tonight.”
After earning a journalism degree from Washington and Lee University, she began working at CBS News under Bob Schieffer, who encouraged her to explore sports broadcasting.
“I transitioned to CNN in 2017 and then spent five years at ESPN covering everything from college sports to mass shootings, which taught me how to approach different narratives,” she explained. “These two years were incredibly challenging, but I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything. I take pride in my work and aspire to keep growing.”
She shared her ambition, recalling how aspiring announcers advised her to “pick a lane.” Joining Amazon Prime Video in 2022 as a sideline reporter, she received a solo Sports Emmy nomination in 2024.
In 2023, she became a contributing correspondent for “Today.”
“Travel has always been a source of joy for me,” Hartung stated. “At age 10, I set my sights on being part of the ‘Today’ show, which became a core goal.”
She also highlighted advice she got from Nick Saban at ESPN: “Be where your feet are.”
Hartung discussed the various phases of her journey where she was told to choose a specific path in broadcasting. “When I hear people say they can’t do it all, I just think—look at me.”
