FOX Sports’ NFL sideline reporter Erin Andrews has responded to claims that she is “under fire” for stating that the job has put pressure on her own personal life.
Thanksgiving is here, and it’s a time for coming together, celebration, and, of course, sports. The November holiday brings about plenty to watch, not least in the NFL, where three games will be available to watch, from the Detroit Lions hosting the Green Bay Packers, to the Baltimore Ravens taking on the Cincinnati Bengals.
While many will be able to sit and watch from the comfort of their own homes, surrounded by family and loved ones, there are those who still have to work during the holidays. That includes the reporters at the game, who bring all of the coverage live to the TV screen.
Among those is Erin Andrews, the FOX Sports NFL sideline reporter, who has enjoyed a decorated broadcast career following the sport she loves. While it is certainly a dream job, it still comes with its own sacrifices, which she revealed in an episode of her Calm Down podcast.
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She said: “This is what I say to everybody who asks about our job, and this is what one of my first professors said. Well, he said it in a way that was very, very to the point, and because I grew up with a dad who was on television for a living, I got it.
“He said, ‘If you don’t want to make $40,000 in your first job, get out. If you don’t want to be told you need a nose job, get out. If you don’t want to be divorced, get out. If you don’t want to work holidays, get out.’”
Andrews has changed that saying somewhat, but still believes the basis of it to be true, as she said: “I don’t say it like that, but I say, ‘You gotta love what you do.’ Because I miss all holidays. I didn’t get married until I was in my 40s. Not that that is going to be your route, but I live out of a suitcase. I miss a lot of stuff. I missed a lot of weddings, I miss a lot of events.”
She continued: “You have to love it to get you through the fact [that] I’m not going to be home for Thanksgiving next week or, you know, Christmas is cut short. Yeah, but I’m getting to work Packers-Lions. We miss out on a lot of stuff, and I just think you have to take into account, ‘What do I love the most to help me through when times are tough and the job isn’t like all the glitz and glam.’”
Reaction on social media was mixed, with one account claiming that Andrews was “under heavy fire” for making those claims about her work-life balance. That prompted a quick response from the FOX Sports reporter, who said: “Hey click bait. First of all Happy Thanksgiving.
“Second of all how am I under fire? I’m saying you have to love the job bc [because] you miss a lot in your life. Which I do and have. You seem to have missed the whole clip! See you for Packers at Lions!”
There were messages of support in the comments, as plenty of fans made it clear just how valued the sacrifice is to make the job work. One person responded: “Every person who rips on you for this, but loves their thanksgiving tradition of watching NFL football is a hypocrite and instead should be thanking you for your sacrifices and love of your profession. People work on holidays so others can enjoy their holidays.”
Another added: “Happy Thanksgiving Erin! Thank You for working on this day bringing us the best coverage of more than just the game.”
“I appreciate you sacrificing for the job you love. Haters gonna hate,” another fan said in the comments. The coverage of the NFL continues over Thanksgiving, with Andrews set to report from the match between the Packers and the Lions.
The Packers (7-3-1) are underdogs for the match, having been viewed as favourites for all of their other meetings so far this season. Meanwhile the Lions (7-4) are out for revenge after losing against their divisional rivals at Lambeau Field in September.
It’s shaping up to be a busy day of action, with plenty to be thankful for.
