Fox Sports host Charissa Thompson has mentioned that Peter Schlager and Michael Vick are eager to embrace a “new beginning” following their departures, which has left open spots on the Fox “NFL Kickoff” show.
Thompson, who is reportedly finalizing a profitable contract extension with Fox, will lead a Sunday morning show at the analyst’s desk during the NFL season.
In a fan Q&A on Tuesday’s episode of the “Calm down” podcast, Thompson expressed excitement and curiosity about how this “shake-up” will influence the program’s future.
“For Fox, it’s a shift,” she said, adding, “It’s disappointing that Peter Schrager moved to ESPN, as I really like him, and Michael Vick is now coaching at Norfolk.”
“So, there’s still me, Julian Edelman, and Charles Woodson. We’re going to work closely on the structure and overview of the football season and how we want to format that show. I think it’s like, well, a new beginning. It feels like we’re back on Fox, and I’m genuinely looking forward to it.”
Schrager joined ESPN in April after nearly 20 years with Fox. Vick exited the Fox NFL on Sundays to become the head football coach at Norfolk State in February.
Andrews chimed in during the conversation, saying, “If you do that, it’s a rebirth.” Thompson, who’s been with Fox since 2013, will also participate in Amazon Prime Video’s fourth “Thursday Night Football” pregame show.
“We’re totally getting into it,” she remarked. “It’s our fourth year, and it feels great to have the same team back. Everyone knows their role, which is exciting.”
Andrews, a veteran sideline reporter who recently secured a new contract, also expressed enthusiasm about getting back on the road with her crew.
“I’m glad it’s not a complete overhaul for us,” Andrews said. “With Tom [Brady’s] second year, we’re already getting into the swing of things. Everything feels familiar, and I’m just excited to see the guys… have some fun, silly conversations. I have a feeling our text chain has been a bit quieter lately too.”
Neither Andrews nor Thompson discussed their contracts with Fox, which expired after the 2024-25 season, including Super Bowl 2025, which will be televised by the network.
Andrews joined Fox in 2012 after her contract with ESPN ended. Front Office Sports reported that Fox is promoting college football sideline reporter Allison Williams to take over Laura Okmin’s role as NFL sideline reporter. Okmin had mentioned last month that she chose not to renew her contract after 23 years with Fox.
