Who is Erin Andrews? Erin Andrews is a name synonymous with sports journalism and television. Born on May 4, 1978, in Santa Monica, California, she grew up surrounded by sports and media, thanks to her father, Steven Andrews, a TV journalist. From playing high school basketball to dancing with the Florida Gators' Spirit Squad, her passion for sports was evident early on. Graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in telecommunications, she embarked on a career that would see her become a prominent figure in sports broadcasting. Known for her roles at ESPN, Fox Sports, and as a co-host on "Dancing with the Stars," Erin has also launched a successful women's NFL apparel line, WEAR by Erin Andrews. Her journey is a testament to hard work, determination, and a love for sports.
Key Takeaways:
- Erin Andrews' early love for sports and family influence shaped her successful career in sports journalism, showcasing her determination and hard work from the start.
- From her impactful coverage of major sporting events to her successful business ventures, Erin Andrews has left a lasting legacy in sports journalism, inspiring aspiring journalists with her passion and business acumen.
Early Life and Influences
Erin Andrews' journey into sports journalism began early, influenced by her family and surroundings.
-
Family Background: Erin Andrews was born on May 4, 1981, in Santa Monica, California. Her father, Steven Andrews, was a reporter for an ABC affiliate in Tampa, Florida, which exposed her to the world of sports journalism from a young age.
-
Athletic Childhood: Growing up, Andrews was a self-proclaimed tomboy who loved sports. She played basketball in high school and was part of the University of Florida's dance team, the Florida Gators' Spirit Squad.
-
Education: Andrews graduated from the University of Florida in 2000 with a degree in telecommunications. She chose this university for its strong journalism program and successful football team.
Early Career
Erin's early career was marked by determination and hard work, laying the foundation for her future success.
-
Freelance Beginnings: After graduating, Andrews started as a freelance reporter for Fox Sports Florida. This role required her to work hard for each story without guaranteed pay.
-
Sunshine Network: Her dedication paid off when she was hired by the Sunshine Network, where she gained valuable experience.
-
Turner South Network: In 2002, Andrews joined the Turner South network, covering professional teams in Atlanta as both a reporter and a host.
ESPN Career
Erin's time at ESPN was a significant period in her career, where she covered a wide range of sports.
-
Joining ESPN: In 2004, ESPN hired Andrews as a reporter for their National Hockey Night broadcasts. She quickly became a fixture on the network.
-
Expanding Roles: Andrews reported for College Football Primetime, college basketball games for the Big Ten, Major League Baseball games, and the Scripps National Spelling Bee for both ESPN and ABC.
-
ABC Contributions: Starting in 2008, she also reported for ABC, covering live events like the Scripps National Spelling Bee and contributing to Good Morning America.
Transition to Fox Sports
In 2012, Erin made a significant career move by joining Fox Sports, where she continued to excel.
-
Joining Fox Sports: Andrews left ESPN in June 2012 to join Fox Sports, becoming the first host of Fox's College Football studio show.
-
Sideline Reporter: In July 2014, she replaced Pam Oliver as the sideline reporter on Fox’s lead NFL broadcasts, marking a major milestone in her career.
-
Fox NFL Sunday: Andrews also contributed to Fox NFL Sunday and hosted College Football Kickoff and College Football Saturday shows.
Dancing with the Stars
Erin's fame extended beyond sports journalism when she joined the popular TV show Dancing with the Stars.
-
Contestant: In 2010, Andrews competed on Dancing with the Stars, placing third with her partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy.
-
Co-Host: From 2014 to 2019, she co-hosted the show alongside Tom Bergeron, showcasing her versatility.
WEAR by Erin Andrews
Erin's entrepreneurial spirit led her to create a successful women's NFL apparel line.
-
Launch: In 2019, Andrews launched WEAR by Erin Andrews, which quickly became a hit.
-
Expansion: Due to high demand, the line expanded to include NBA, NCAA, and NHL merchandise.
-
Business Acumen: Andrews' savvy business skills have been a key factor in the success of her apparel line.
Major Sporting Events Coverage
Erin has covered numerous high-profile sporting events, showcasing her expertise and versatility.
-
Super Bowl: Andrews has covered several Super Bowls, including Super Bowl LIV, Super Bowl LI, and Super Bowl XLVIII.
-
NFC Championship Game: She reported on the 2021 NFC Championship Game, demonstrating her ability to handle major live broadcasts.
-
World Series: Andrews has covered multiple World Series events, including the 2015 and 2014 World Series.
-
MLB All-Star Games: She has also reported on the MLB All-Star Games in both 2015 and 2014.
Contributions to Sports Journalism
Erin's work has left a lasting impact on sports journalism, inspiring many aspiring journalists.
-
FOX NFL Sunday: As a contributor to FOX NFL Sunday, Andrews provides analysis and reporting on various NFL games.
-
Field Reporting: She serves as a field reporter for most major sporting events aired on FOX.
-
College Football Primetime: Andrews has reported for ESPN’s College Football Primetime and Saturday College Game Day.
-
Big Ten Basketball: She has also covered Big Ten college basketball games for ESPN.
-
National Hockey Night: Andrews began her career at ESPN by reporting for National Hockey Night.
-
Little League World Series: She has covered the Little League World Series, one of the most prestigious youth baseball tournaments.
-
College World Series: Andrews has also reported on the College World Series.
-
Great Outdoor Games: She has covered the Great Outdoor Games, a multi-sport event featuring various outdoor activities.
-
Scripps National Spelling Bee: Andrews has covered the Scripps National Spelling Bee for both ESPN and ABC.
-
Good Morning America: She has contributed to ABC’s Good Morning America, providing sports updates and analysis.
Business Leadership
Erin's business ventures have showcased her leadership and vision.
-
WEAR by Erin Andrews Success: The success of WEAR by Erin Andrews has been overwhelming, becoming the #1 bestselling NFL women’s clothing brand.
-
Creator Title: Andrews recently added “creator” to her list of titles with the launch of WEAR by Erin Andrews.
-
Fashionable and Comfortable Apparel: WEAR by Erin Andrews offers fashionable, comfortable, and subtle apparel designed for women to wear anywhere.
-
Market Gap: Andrews identified a gap in the women’s athletic apparel market and capitalized on it with her brand.
-
NBA, NCAA, and NHL Expansion: Due to overwhelming demand, WEAR by Erin Andrews has expanded into the NBA, NCAA, and NHL.
Recognition and Legacy
Erin Andrews' contributions to sports journalism and business have earned her numerous accolades.
-
Recognition: Andrews has received numerous accolades for her work in sports journalism and her impact on women in the industry.
-
Current Roles: Currently, Andrews hosts FOX College Football and serves as a co-host on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars.
-
ESPN Veteran: Despite leaving ESPN in 2012, Andrews remains an ESPN veteran, having worked with the network for over eight years.
-
Fox Sports Lead Reporter: Since joining Fox Sports in 2012, Andrews has become the lead sideline reporter for the network's NFL broadcasts.
-
ABC Contributions: In addition to her work on Dancing with the Stars, Andrews has contributed to ABC's Good Morning America.
-
Super Bowl Coverage: Andrews has covered several high-profile sporting events, including Super Bowl LIV, Super Bowl LI, and Super Bowl XLVIII.
-
NFC Championship Game: In addition to Super Bowl coverage, Andrews has also reported on the 2021 NFC Championship Game.
-
World Series Coverage: Andrews has covered multiple World Series events, including the 2015 and 2014 World Series.
-
MLB All-Star Games: Andrews has also reported on the MLB All-Star Games in both 2015 and 2014.
-
FOX NFL Sunday Contributions: As a contributor to FOX NFL Sunday, Andrews provides analysis and reporting on various NFL games.
-
Field Reporting: Andrews serves as a field reporter for most major sporting events aired on FOX.
-
College Football Primetime: Andrews has reported for ESPN’s College Football Primetime and Saturday College Game Day.
-
Big Ten Basketball Coverage: In addition to college football, Andrews has also covered Big Ten college basketball games for ESPN.
-
Legacy in Sports Journalism: Erin Andrews has left an indelible mark on sports journalism. Her determination, business acumen, and passion for sports have made her a role model for aspiring journalists.
Erin Andrews: A Legacy of Excellence
Erin Andrews has made a lasting mark in sports journalism and beyond. From her early days at Fox Sports Florida to becoming a household name at ESPN and Fox Sports, she’s shown grit and determination. Her role as a sideline reporter for NFL games and co-host of "Dancing with the Stars" highlights her versatility. Launching WEAR by Erin Andrews, she tapped into the women’s athletic apparel market, proving her business savvy. Covering major events like the Super Bowl and World Series, she’s earned respect in the industry. Andrews’ journey is a testament to hard work, passion, and breaking barriers. Her story inspires future journalists and entrepreneurs, showing that with dedication, anything’s possible. Erin Andrews isn’t just a sportscaster; she’s a trailblazer, a businesswoman, and a role model. Her legacy will continue to inspire for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was this page helpful?
Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.