Erin Andrews responds to supporters regarding her remarks about skipping celebrations due to professional commitments.

Autumn Hawkins

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Erin Andrews claps back at fans about her comments on missing holidays for work image

© Mark J. Rebilas

TL;DR

  • Sports commentator Erin Andrews discussed the sacrifices required in journalism, including working holidays.
  • Andrews clarified her comments were not complaints but advice about the realities of the profession.
  • Her remarks drew criticism from some who felt she was complaining despite her success.
  • Other media professionals agreed with Andrews, emphasizing the demanding nature of sports journalism.

Within the media sector, working during festive periods isn't frowned upon, and it's quite probable that if you're new to the field, it's anticipated. Considering that a significant portion of sports commentator Erin Andrews' professional duties involves covering the NFL on Thanksgiving and Christmas, her usual observance of these holidays is distinct. 

On an installment of her podcast, Calm Down, alongside fellow sports journalist Charissa Thompson, Andrews shared a candid viewpoint regarding the complexities of a career in journalism, a stance that drew disapproval from supporters and other media professionals. 

Andrews commenced her remarks with a piece of advice a college professor shared with her, mentioning that one should anticipate a modest income and working on public holidays.

“This is what one of my first professors said, ‘If you don’t want to make $40,000 in your first job, get out,” recalled Andrews in a clip shared via the podcast’s X account on Tuesday, November 25. “If you don’t want to be told you need a nose job, get out. If you don’t want to be divorced, get out. If you don’t want to work holidays, get out.”

She continued, “And I don’t say it like that, but I say you got to love what you do because I miss all holidays. I didn’t get married until I was in my 40s. Not that that is going to be your route, but I live out of a suitcase. I miss a lot of stuff. I missed a lot of weddings. I miss a lot of events. You have to love it to get you through the fact, ‘I’m not gonna be home for Thanksgiving next week’ or ‘Christmas is cut short.’”

Andrews' remark was prompted by a viewer's inquiry regarding her employment and served not as a complaint about working on festive occasions, but rather as a clarification that such duties are inherent to her position. These statements encountered some negative reactions from individuals who replied to the video on X.

A supporter responded reacted to Andrews' remarks, suggesting she was grumbling even though other individuals also had to labor throughout the festive period for a lower salary than hers.

"Aww. Boo hoo.@ErinAndrews You are a millionaire that gets to go to football games," the fan wrote. "Are you kidding me with this BS? What is it you actually DO again? Millions of people work every holiday."

Former ESPN personality Trey Wingo also shared his reaction to Andrews.

"That's precisely what they compensate you for. Erin herself stated on one occasion: they compensate you for the journeys and the hardships, as participating in the competitions is the enjoyable aspect.

Andrews responded by questioning how Wingo could have failed to view the entire segment, thereby missing the context of her response and misinterpreting her reaction to the supporter's inquiry.

"It sure is Trey. And I’m sure you went back and saw that I wasn’t complaining about working," Andrews wrote back. "I’m sure you saw it was a segment where we answer questions from people. Young woman asking abt being a sideline reporter. What to know about it. What you miss. My whole point its not just abt wanting to be on camera and hanging with athletes. You have to work and love it. And deal with overreactions to click bait."

NFL reporter Albert Breer also gave his reaction to Andrews' comments in agreement with the fellow journalist.

"Here's the thing for aspiring young reporters—the games are played when other people aren't working. That's never changing. Nights, weekends, holidays. You'll miss happy hours, parties, weddings, Christmases, Thanksgivings. If you think you can do it 9-5, you'll never make it," Breer wrote.

Andrews wrote back, "And we love it so much bc it’s the best job in the world!!!"

A fan also came in Andrews' defense, writing, "Folks are entirely misunderstanding Erin's message. She plainly stated: if your ambition is to succeed as a sports journalist, you'll forgo holidays, birthdays, weddings, and everything else. She was simply detailing the personal sacrifices she undertook. Absolutely no grumbling involved.

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Editorial Team