Erin Andrews’ journey has been anything but easy. Struggling with infertility, battling with cancer, her life has been a steep hill climb one after the other. But she has always handled it all with immense strength and grace. When her son Mack was born, it was a blessing that she cherished with everything she’s got. She has often shared little moments from her life and continues to endear her to her fans and listeners. But what do you do when tragedy strikes?
While everyone was gearing up for the latest episode of the Calm Down podcast, no one knew a shock was coming. Picking up the pieces of a broken heart, Andrews came to the podcast with producer Ryan Musick. And it was here that she opened up about a tragedy that had devastated the whole community. This wasn’t an episode where we got to see a fun side of Charissa Thompson and Erin Andrews. This week, it was just a safe space for Andrews to share.
The Calm Down Podcast IG page shared a reel recently, and it has us all tearing up. A heartbroken Erin Andrews greeted everyone, wiping tears from her eyes as she shared her tragedy. A miscarriage. Erin had only recently opened up about how she was expecting another child, a little sister, for Mack to grow up with. And it seemed things were going pretty well for some time. But as Andrews shared, “We got some real s—– news today that our surrogate had miscarried.” But Andrews didn’t bottle it up. She wanted to share it with her listeners, just like she had shared her struggles with infertility.
“I kind of made a promise to myself that when I was really open with how s—– infertility has been and our journeys with two surrogates because… we had lost with our first surrogate. And then luckily with our second one, we had Mack, that I was just going to be honest with people, just really, really hard.” As she shared this, we are once again reminded of the difficult journey Andrews has gone through, and just how difficult it is going to be moving forward from here.
She also said, “I know my husband’s having a difficult time and I’m going to go home and be with him. And then we’re going to throw our little two-year-old in a pool. And I feel like squeezes are going to feel a little different from him today.” For Andrews, Mack isn’t just someone to cherish. He’s a testament to her journey.
But Erin Andrews isn’t alone in her journey. As she shared her loss with the community, the sportscasting community lined up for her in support. And the NFL crew wasn’t that far behind either. They all showed up to encourage and empathize in a big way.
NFL and sportscasting communities rally behind Erin Andrews
Erin Andrews has already dealt with a miscarriage before, but a tragedy like this always hits hard. Especially the second time around. But as she turned to the Calm Down podcast to share her heartbreak, she wasn’t alone. On the reel, people gathered and sent her hugs, love and support.
Her sister Kendra Andrews wrote, “I love you forever. I’m here for you always. You are so brave. I’m proud of you every day.” Erin’s fellow sportscasters shared their empathy as well. And Charissa Thompson also shared her love, “ love you Shelby & @stolly28 so so so much. You’re never alone.” It must have been very hard on Charissa too, since she couldn’t be there for her bestie on the podcast. ESPN broadcaster Jen Lada wrote, “I’m so so sorry Erin. You have carried so much. I hope you know how much you are loved and supported even from afar.”
TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 16: Fox Reporter Erin Andrews reports during the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on January 16, 2022 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 16 NFC Wild Card – Eagles at Buccaneers Icon220116200
But they weren’t the only ones who showed up for Erin Andrews. MMA reporter Megan Olivi joined in with, “Oh Erin I’m so sorry. Praying for all of you.” And that wasn’t all. The NFL community stepped up.
ESPN’s Peter Schrager wrote, “Both of you and Mack are amazing. So sorry for this news. As you know by the outpouring here, you’re not alone. @jarretstoll28” Samantha McAfee, wife of Pat McAfee, has gone through a similar journey with infertility, so her simple “@erinandrews sending you big hugs ” hit hard too. Kylie Kelce, wife of Jason Kelce, wasn’t far behind with “Sending lots of love your way! ” Kylie herself had gone through a miscarriage in the past, so her comment isn’t just support, its solidarity. Kyle Juszczyk’s wife Kristin also joined hands with her own message. “Sending you love Erin ”
As Erin Andrews tries to deal with her loss, the time she spends with her son Mack will hold even more meaning and love for her. The outpouring of love and support for her family is a warmth that she really needed. And it shows just how many lives she has touched with her candid takes and energy. It is a strong reminder of the unity that resides in the sports community. When you need them, they always show up.
The post Kylie Kelce, Charissa Thompson & NFL Unite for Erin Andrews After Tragedy Leaves FOX Broadcaster Heartbroken appeared first on EssentiallySports.