How Erin Andrews and Charissa Thompson remain unbiased despite close ties with top NFL players
Some stories in sports broadcasting go beyond stats and sidelines — they're about the people behind the mic and the bonds they form along the way. For
Erin Andrews
and Charissa Thompson, covering the NFL isn't just a job.
It's a lifelong passion wrapped in genuine friendships, unforgettable moments, and the occasional fangirl reaction. In a candid chat on their Calm Down podcast, the Fox Sports veterans opened up about the delicate, often hilarious balance of staying professional while cheering on the very athletes they've grown close to over the years.
Erin Andrews and Charissa Thompson on covering NFL's biggest names
It's rare to hear seasoned broadcasters admit they still get starstruck, but Andrews and Thompson wear their enthusiasm proudly.
'I don't,' Andrews said when asked how she maintains composure around NFL icons. 'I'm a huge fan of all the guys I cover and I get so excited to talk to them.' Her co-host, Thompson, echoed the sentiment, recalling a thrilling comeback by Baker Mayfield. 'That was probably not professional, but I didn't care, that was f—king awesome,' she laughed.
What it was like meeting Taylor Swift | Calm Down Podcast
Their excitement doesn't come from a lack of experience. Andrews has been with Fox since 2012 and has covered multiple Super Bowls, including Super Bowl 2025.
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Thompson leads Fox NFL Kickoff and co-hosts Thursday Night Football on Prime Video. Yet, even with such credentials, the spark of fandom remains — not as a weakness, but as a reflection of their love for the sport and its athletes.
They have built some real relationship, real moments over the years
The personal connections Andrews and Thompson have built over the years — with stars like Aaron Rodgers,
Patrick Mahomes
, and
Travis Kelce
— are not just professional relationships. They've been nurtured through mutual trust, time, and authenticity.
'It's taken us a minute to get where we are,' Andrews explained. 'You have to build up credibility… with not only viewers at home, your bosses and also, the players and the coaches.'
That credibility has extended beyond the sideline. This past offseason, Andrews and Thompson vacationed with Kelce and his girlfriend,
Taylor Swift
— a couple whose relationship they famously supported from the start. 'They want to see you having a good time and smiling,' Andrews shared, reflecting on Fox's culture that encourages authenticity.
'There is nothing wrong with sitting on the [show] desk with Baker after an amazing game... and be like, 'Can we just talk about this last play?' It's awesome.'
Their unique blend of enthusiasm and professionalism has earned them trust in both locker rooms and living rooms. With reported contract extensions on the horizon, it's clear their approach — candid, joyful, and human — is a winning formula in today's sports media.
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