Charissa Thompson revealed that she battled severe illness during last week’s Thursday Night Football broadcast, with the Amazon Prime Video presenter admitting she thought she might die.
During the latest episode of the Calm Down podcast, co-host and veteran Fox Sports reporter Erin Andrews commended Thompson for her composure under pressure, as the two discussed how Thompson managed to anchor the show even after vomiting.
Showing remarkable professionalism despite feeling seriously unwell before the Cincinnati Bengals faced the Pittsburgh Steelers, she powered on and won the admiration of her journalistic peer.
“Even if you’re throwing up the day of your game, which I will tell you, you were and you had a Michael Jordan night,” Andrews said, referring to Jordan‘s 1997 NBA Finals game played while suffering from food poisoning.
Andrews continued: “You looked spectacular, you handled that desk. You said you were going to die…
“And I said, ‘If you’re going to die they’re going to bury you in that outfit because you look great.'”
Thompson’s role in the NFL
Thompson has long been known for her commitment to her work, juggling key roles at both Amazon and Fox Sports. She explained that her passion for sports broadcasting pushes her to deliver even in the most difficult circumstances.
“I love this job… and I don’t want anyone else to take my job, try to come for my job,” Thompson said. “The seat that I’m lucky enough to sit in on Thursday night and on Sunday.
“Even if things happen during the broadcast because it’s live television, or in studio, nothing would take away my enthusiasm for this job.
“They will have to drag me off the set and force me to quit this job before I ever do.”
Both Thompson and Andrews, who worked together during Fox Sports‘ Super Bowl coverage earlier this year in New Orleans, recently signed contract extensions with the network.
Although terms of the agreements were not disclosed, reports suggest the deals reflect their standing as two of the most prominent women in American sports broadcasting.
Thompson‘s career has been defined by perseverance and versatility. She joined Fox in 2006, starting in the human resources department before transitioning into on-air roles.
Andrews, who previously worked at ESPN, joined Fox in 2012 and has since become one of the network’s leading NFL reporters.
Who is Charissa Thompson covering next?
Thompson will once again take her place on the Amazon Prime Video desk this Thursday as the Minnesota Vikings meet the Los Angeles Chargers in California on October 23.
The Chargers enter the game on a poor run of form with limited protection for Justin Herbert, losing three of their last four games with their sole win coming over the 1-5 Miami Dolphins.
Meanwhile, the Vikings are looking to stay competitive in the NFC North and enter the clash with a 3-3 record that leaves Justin Jefferson at the foot of the division behind the 4-2 Chicago Bears, 5-2 Detroit Lions and 4-1-1 Green Bay Packers.
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