Longtime NFL sideline reporter Charissa Thompson has officially parted ways with Fox Sports after her contract expired at the end of the 2024 season. While her departure wasn’t widely publicized, she recently opened up about it on her “Calm Down” podcast, revealing her deep appreciation for the network and the special sendoff she received from her colleagues.
Thompson, 42, has been a familiar face on Fox’s NFL coverage for years, playing a key role on the sidelines before expanding into hosting duties. More recently, she took on a new challenge as the host of Amazon Prime Video’s NFL pre-game and post-game shows. However, it wasn’t until her recent podcast episode that she confirmed the end of her tenure with Fox.
A Warm Goodbye from Her Fox Sports Family
Speaking to her co-host Erin Andrews, Thompson shared how meaningful her time at Fox had been, calling the network her “extended family” and expressing gratitude for how they treated her real family during her final Super Bowl assignment.
“I just have to say one thing — and this is also what I am going on and on about Fox, and I swear, I mean it’s not just because my contract’s up — I love Fox so much,” Thompson said. “My brother and my dad came to the Super Bowl, and Fox is family to me, so my own family sharing in those moments meant everything.”
She continued by emphasizing how welcoming and inclusive the network had been to her loved ones during her time there.
“It was so fun, and Fox just makes them feel so welcome and makes sure they’re included in the events and everything,” she added. “So I just would be remiss if I didn’t mention how wonderful my extended work family is to my own family.”
Thompson and Andrews both worked as Fox’s NFL sideline reporters throughout the 2024 season, covering major games, including Super Bowl LIX.
What’s Next for Charissa Thompson?
With her Fox contract now expired, Thompson is weighing her next career move. Given her growing presence with Amazon Prime’s NFL coverage, it’s possible that she will continue to expand her role there. However, she hasn’t made any official announcements about her long-term plans.
As a well-respected sports media personality, Thompson has built a career that spans beyond sideline reporting. In addition to her broadcasting work, she has also taken on various media and business ventures, making her future moves all the more intriguing.
Addressing Past Controversy
While Thompson has received plenty of praise for her broadcasting work, she also made headlines in 2023 for comments about fabricating sideline reports early in her career. The admission sparked backlash, with critics accusing her of undermining the credibility of sideline reporters.
She later clarified her remarks, explaining that she never attributed made-up reports to players or coaches but instead used observations and game trends to fill gaps when coaches declined to provide direct information.
“In the absence of a coach providing any information that could further my report, I would use information that I learned and saw during the first half to create my report,” Thompson explained. “If a team was 0 for 7 on third down, that would clearly be an area they need to improve in the second half. In these instances, I never attributed anything I said to a player or coach.”
Despite the controversy, Thompson has remained a highly sought-after media figure, and her departure from Fox marks the end of an era for the network’s NFL coverage.
A New Chapter for Charissa Thompson
As she steps away from Fox, Thompson leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, charisma, and authenticity. With her strong presence in sports media, she is expected to continue thriving in the industry, whether that means expanding her Amazon role, exploring new opportunities, or diving into business ventures.
For now, fans will have to wait and see where she lands next. But one thing is clear—her impact on sports broadcasting isn’t fading anytime soon.
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