NFL journalist Erin Andrews recently shared a revealing glimpse into the challenges of her early career, recounting an emotional incident involving a Tampa Bay Buccaneers player. In a conversation with Charissa Thompson on the ‘Calm Down’ podcast, Andrews disclosed a poignant anecdote that left Thompson astounded.
During her freelance work for an Orlando station at the age of 19 or 20, Andrews found herself in the Buccaneers’ locker room seeking soundbites. Unfortunately, a specific player proved to be ‘so nasty’ that it drove Andrews to tears. The player not only turned his back on her during a media scrum but also disparaged her, instructing her to rehearse her question and return when deemed ‘ready.’ The humiliation was palpable for the young journalist.
“I was 19, 20 years old. I had practiced. I did slip up a little bit, I stumbled. He knew it. He knew I was young,” Andrews recounted. The distress led to tears streaming down her face, but amidst the challenging moment, two players, Derrick Brooks and John Lynch, came to her rescue. Their compassionate gesture, offering support and asking, ‘What do you need?’ left Andrews grateful, describing them as ‘Royalty.’
Charissa Thompson expressed shock at the revelation, stating, “That’s incredible. I never heard you tell that story. Wow.”
Choosing not to disclose the name of the unkind player, Andrews focused on praising Derrick Brooks and John Lynch for their kindness during a vulnerable period in her early career.
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