Carissa Thompson, host of Fox Sports, spends her NFL offseason surrounded by a variety of animals—cows, horses, ducks, sheep, pigs, along with five cats and five dogs.
From February through August, she enjoys her time at Ruby Ranch, a 75-acre property in California that she purchased in 2021, dedicated to caring for rescued animals.
In an interview discussing her life as a rancher, ahead of the 2026 Super Bowl, Thompson shared insights about balancing her two worlds.
“I know it sounds cheesy, but it truly fills me up,” she mentioned, referring to her time at the ranch as a counterbalance to the fast-paced environment of television. “It brings me back to the essentials, which makes me very happy. I think it fuels my passion for sports and TV. You can’t really separate them. Since I’m not a mother and do not plan to be one, this fulfills my nurturing side. And honestly, with all the chaos—there’s always some chaos on the ranch—I could really use those Bounty paper towels to help clean it up,” she added.
The commercial features her indulging in chicken wings with former NFL star Rob Gronkowski, who then humorously interrupts an interview with The Post.
Thompson and Gronkowski celebrated the Super Bowl festivities in Santa Clara, California, before the game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots.
The network’s next Super Bowl broadcast won’t be until 2028.
In addition to her hosting duties, Thompson co-hosts a podcast called “Calm Down” with Erin Andrews, a fellow FOX Sports sideline reporter. Together, they covered the last game of the 2025 season in January.
“I’ve always had a love for animals,” Thompson explained. That passion deepened when she watched “Yellowstone,” which sparked her interest in ranching. “I began searching for ranches in California that I could reach easily.”
“It’s definitely more than just a hobby—it’s a mission to save these animals. I try to save as many as I can. It’s a bit addictive. Whether it’s a sheep left on the road or one at risk of being sold off, it feels like my duty to care for them,” she said, reflecting on her commitment.
“This has become my dream—to rescue animals. I also have to work to keep the ranch running, as we need someone there full-time.” All sales from Ruby Ranch’s merchandise support their rescue efforts.
While Thompson is busy with football from September to January, her staff takes care of the ranch’s daily needs.
“I have a couple of full-time employees and some additional help during football season,” she shared. “When it’s not the season, I try to spend as much time there as possible.”
“When it comes to counting animals, it’s hard to keep track! I’ve got six cows, four horses, two ducks, two sheep, one pig, five cats, and five dogs,” she joked. “Oh, and I can’t forget my flock of 45 chickens and several peacocks, alongside a few goats.”
Her boyfriend, Steve Kandari, who runs a venture studio in Los Angeles, also helps out at the ranch during the NFL season.
The two met through mutual friends who are connected to the Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and his wife.
Last year, they collaborated on a project at the ranch, where Kandari’s firm filmed a promotional video for Thompson’s Japanese golf brand, XXIO, announcing her as its ambassador.
Ruby Ranch includes Thompson’s home, guest cottages, a garden, a tavern, a boathouse, and a general store—all designed by her.
The name “Ruby Ranch” is a nod to the ruby-red slippers from “The Wizard of Oz.”
“I’ve always adored that movie,” Thompson remarked. “The idea of ‘there’s no place like home’ resonates with me. I’ve traveled so much, and no matter where I go, I need a place that feels safe.”
“That’s part of why I named my interior design business House & Home—I believe that feeling of love can exist no matter where you are. That inspired Ruby Ranch which, of course, ties back to the Ruby Slippers.”
Thompson’s Bounty commercial is set to air during the 2026 Super Bowl on NBC.
