The world knows Erin Andrews as a dynamite sportscaster. Two decades of sparkling career – from Fox Sports to ESPN – and, of course, co-host of the popular Calm Down Podcast. She even competed in Dancing with the Stars at one point. But way back in 2000, after graduating from the University of Florida, she was looking for a space to make her mark. She got a gig as a freelance reporter for Fox Sports Florida. A year later, she signed on with the Sunshine Network from 2001 to 2002. Even though she was new to the scene, she brought her signature charisma and hard work to the forefront. Even after two decades, she’s still connected to her roots.
Andrews had once said, “For me, when I first started, I was just so excited to have my job. I love sports so much – just so excited to learn, to read, to study about these athletes that I’m a huge fan of.” When working with the Sunshine Network, she was assigned to be a reporter for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Although this wasn’t her first time around the ice-hockey rink, it was certainly hard. A day before her interview, she even studied “Hockey for Dummies”. But that’s just how dedicated she was to proving herself. John Tortorella had just joined as HC, and Erin went to him to learn the sport from the HC himself.
In an Instagram post shared by the Missing Curfew Podcast, Erin shared the story of how it all started. “Got the gig. I was told by head of PR at that time, Bill Wicket. – We just hired a brand new coach. I got brought in in the summer. He’s like, go introduce yourself to him.” And that’s exactly what she did. In retrospect, she said she was “naive to who Tortorella was” but she showed up, nonetheless. Eager to learn, she asked him to break down the sport for her. “I just knocked on his door and I said, ‘Hi, my name’s Erin Andrews. I just got hired. I don’t know anything about this sport. And I was wondering if I could sit and talk to you.” And Tortorella helped her understand the sport inside out.
On the podcast, Erin Andrews further added, “I would go in his office – We’d watch tape. He’d teach me about questions. He’d teach me about things that reporters did and he didn’t like it – or did like it. – I sat next to him on the bus. He made me stay close and he was smart. I mean, I was 21 and traveling with this team and the lightning were fantastic. They were so good to me.” Now that’s a coach who’s a true sport. Not only did he break down the game for Erin, but he also helped her develop a love for the game. No surprise, the next job she got was as a studio reporter and host for the Turner South network. From 2002 to 2004, she covered the Atlanta Braves, Thrashers, and Hawks, making a bigger mark on the sports community. And she never stopped.
Erin Andrews once received the greatest advice of her life from John Tortorella, ‘I got to be honest. You got to have thick skin. If you want to do this, you have to have thick skin.’ And it’s something she is carrying to this day, especially with the debates of her Fox Career going around like wildfire.
Erin Andrews & Charissa Thompson’s Fox Sports contract
While there has been no word from Erin Andrews about her Fox Contract, her bestie Charissa Thompson has spoken up. On one episode of their Calm Down Podcast, Charissa clarified, “I’m not leaving Fox. I was never leaving Fox. I’m not fired. Fox is my longest relationship. I have worked there since I was what 22 years old, starting in the HR department. So yes, I love Fox.” In a previous episode, Erin Andrews had said with optimism, “I think my goal is always kind of the same as last year — Enjoy it, because it’s not going to last forever…” Both the sportscasters’ contracts ended after the last Super Bowl. Since then, there have been a lot of debates about their career, but whatever trajectory that takes, these two women are not worried.
Via Instagram @erinandrews
Erin and Charissa are showing no signs of stopping. They’ve headlined the ‘She is Football’ event by Tampa Bay. Erin even featured her clothing brand WEAR at the event’s market. Before this, Erin also showed up at the LA Strong event. At this, fans wondered if she was making a splash in the ice hockey world again. Erin is also spending quality time with her family, dropping cut little clips and pictures on IG from time to time. And let’s not forget the Calm Down Podcast.
Their Calm Down Podcast is dropping massively relatable content every single week since 2021. On it, they have real-life, candid conversations that span the world. From them being mad at Alexa, to DMV appointments and picture day disasters, they talk about it all. Charissa even covered the Blue Origin space mission that took 6 women to outer space and back. Whatever their future with Fox is, it will only be another chapter in an already spectacular life.
The post Out of Contract at FOX, Erin Andrews Shares ESPN Hockey Struggles & How NHL Coach John Tortorella Helped appeared first on EssentiallySports.
