As the NFL season draws to a close, it often brings significant transitions for those involved in the sports broadcasting world. For Charissa Thompson, the conclusion of FOX Sports' 2025 NFL broadcast season marked more than just the end of another football year. It represented a pivotal moment that set the stage for a deliberate and strategic career shift.
From Football Fields to Fairways
While conference championship weekend dominated national sports conversations, Thompson made a calculated move away from the weekly football routine. With FOX wrapping up its final NFL programming before the Super Bowl transitioned to NBC and Peacock, she seized this natural pause in her broadcasting schedule to explore new opportunities. This transition aligns perfectly with her evolving professional trajectory, where broadcasting serves as her foundation while brand-building emerges as a parallel path she continues to develop with clear intention.
XXIO Announces New Brand Ambassador
On January 20, 2026, premium Japanese golf equipment manufacturer XXIO revealed Thompson as its latest brand ambassador. The company made the announcement through its official social media channels, confirming that Thompson would serve as a leading voice for the XXIO 14 Ladies product line. This partnership positions her at the center of XXIO's "Play Easy" campaign, an initiative specifically designed to attract more women to golf by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment rather than an exclusive one.
XXIO emphasized authenticity in framing Thompson's new role, highlighting her dual credentials as both an experienced sports broadcaster and an active golfer. In a press release addressing the collaboration, Thompson explained why this partnership resonated with her personally. "I'm excited to partner with a brand that makes golf feel more approachable and enjoyable for women," she stated. Thompson further noted that XXIO clubs provide immediate confidence from the first swing, a quality she believes helps new players maintain their interest and commitment to the sport.
Expanding Endorsement Portfolio
This new partnership adds another prestigious name to Thompson's growing list of brand affiliations. She already serves as ambassador for several notable brands including:
- Mercedes
- TCL
- Veronica Beard
- Atlantis Bahamas
- Speck Travel
What distinguishes the XXIO collaboration is its direct connection to Thompson's personal interests beyond her media presence, rather than merely leveraging her broadcasting reach.
Reflecting on NFL Season
As she embarks on this new chapter, Thompson took time to reflect on her recent NFL broadcasting year through an Instagram post. She shared photographs with FOX and Prime Video colleagues including former NFL stars Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, and Andrew Whitworth, expressing gratitude to both networks for another successful season. Even though FOX's NFL programming has concluded, Thompson maintains her visibility through "The Calm Down" podcast co-hosted with Erin Andrews, ensuring she remains connected to her audience during the football offseason.
