Erin Andrews is one of the few familiar faces remaining on FOX’s top NFL broadcast team, and the longtime sideline reporter shared some of her thoughts this week on Joe Buck and Troy Aikman leaving the network.
On the latest episode of her “Calm Down with Erin and Charissa” podcast, Andrews said she cried when she found out both Buck and Aikman were leaving FOX for ESPN. She said one of the main reasons she came to FOX was to work with the duo and that she considers them family.
“Every Thanksgiving I am with them. Past two Christmases I’ve been with them … They’ve listened to my fertility issues, they knew about my cancer issues,” Andrews said. “I’ve listened to them (talk about) their daughters or having their babies and things like that. It’s just crazy, they literally become your family and they at times are closer to you than your actual blood family or husband or anything like that.”
While she is saddened by the decision, Andrews said she would never hold it against her former co-workers. She noted how she landed at FOX after eight years at ESPN.
“I don’t hold it against anybody for leaving, look I left ESPN after being there for eight years and came to FOX,” Andrews said. “Like I said at the Pat Summeral Award (dinner), that was one of the best career moves I ever made. A lot of that had to do with, yes my crew, but my relationship with those two. They became my brothers and they became my (real) best friends so I’m sad but I’m so happy for them.”
Andrews’ contract with FOX is also reportedly set to expire. There was some chatter about her potentially leaving for ESPN as well, but it does not sound like that is Andrews’ plan.
“With the change that’s happening at Fox, I do have faith in our network,” she said. “I know they have obviously been an amazing network for so long. It’s just my issue (laughing), I’m the one that needs to let s– go.”
There is one big name left on the broadcasting market, but FOX seems like they are prepared to promote from within to replace Buck and Aikman. If Andrews remains with the network, she’ll have to work to find a connection with her new team.
Photo: Oct 8, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Fox sideline reporter Erin Andrews on air prior to the game with the Green Bay Packers playing against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
