In a move that marks the end of an era for NFL coverage on American television, popular sports presenter Charissa Thompson has officially announced she is leaving Fox Sports. The revelation came not through a formal network press release, but in a heartfelt social media post that has resonated deeply with fans.
An Emotional Goodbye Via Instagram
Thompson made her impending departure public knowledge with a poignant caption on an Instagram post. She stated she is in her "last few weeks at Fox," framing it as a bittersweet farewell to a place she called home for two decades. Her message focused on the personal connections, writing about how her face hurt from laughter after leaving the studio and emphasizing that the bond with her colleagues was genuine, extending beyond the camera lights.
This announcement closes a significant chapter, as Thompson first joined Fox Sports at the age of 23. Now, 20 years later, she reflected on her journey, describing her coworkers as family. The timing adds a layer of surprise, as just in April, on her shared podcast "Calm Down With Erin and Charissa," she vehemently denied rumours of her exit, insisting, "I'm not leaving Fox. I was never leaving Fox."
Erin Andrews and the Podcast's Emotional Weight
The significance of this exit is amplified by the reaction of her close friend and broadcast partner, Erin Andrews. On their podcast, both acknowledged that the end of this football season feels profoundly different. Andrews, who has experienced many season finales, is not treating this as a normal sign-off, indicating Thompson is not just heading into an offseason break but is leaving the network for good.
Part of the sting, as discussed by Thompson, is tied to the Super Bowl broadcast schedule. She expressed disappointment that Fox will not air Super Bowl LX, which is set for February 8, 2026, on NBC. This means her final broadcasts with the network will conclude with the NFC championship game, rather than the sport's biggest event. She noted Fox had been fortunate with the contract, getting two Super Bowls in three years, but the absence this year made the farewell harder.
A Changing Partnership and Lasting Legacy
The core of the story lies in the unique partnership between Andrews and Thompson. They cultivated a reputation as a favourite on-air duo because their authentic friendship translated seamlessly from off-camera to live broadcasts. This chemistry became the foundation for their successful podcast and YouTube show. The countdown of "last few weeks" for one half of this pairing signals a major shift in the sports broadcasting landscape that their audience has come to cherish.
While Thompson has begun her public farewell, Andrews is processing the change privately, confirming the emotional weight of this transition. This is clearly more than just another NFL season wrapping up; it is the real-time evolution of a beloved professional partnership that has defined football coverage for a generation of fans.
