Prominent NFL sideline reporter Charissa Thompson has opened up about a significant professional dilemma: the struggle to stay warm while maintaining a glamorous on-air appearance during bitterly cold American football games.
The Fashion vs. Function Sideline Struggle
Thompson, a seasoned broadcaster who has worked the sidelines for Fox Sports for years and more recently for Amazon Prime's NFL coverage, confessed her issue on the 'Calm Down' podcast she co-hosts with fellow reporter Erin Andrews. The conversation was sparked by her experience covering the Black Friday game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Chicago Bears at Lincoln Financial Field.
For that fixture, Thompson was photographed wrapped in a chic blue suit, gloves, and a scarf, an outfit she later showcased on Instagram. However, the reality behind the stylish look was far less comfortable. "I am ill equipped for these cold games," Thompson admitted. "I try to be all cute and end up freezing my a** off at these games."
She praised her co-host Andrews as the "Queen of the Cold" for her practical approach, which includes wearing a heated vest. Andrews, however, humorously pushed back on the comparison, joking that she ends up looking like Olaf the snowman from 'Frozen', while Thompson resembles "a super European model" or "an F1 wife."
Professional Dedication Amid Health Scares
The discussion on podcast attire also led to a revelation about Thompson's intense professional commitment. In a previous episode, she disclosed that she had once powered through a significant health scare during a live broadcast, refusing to leave her post due to fear for her job.
While she did not specify the date or nature of the medical emergency, Thompson explained her thought process at the time. "I dreamed of having this job and now two decades later I'm still lucky to have it and I never take it for granted, even if I'm tired, even if it's this, or that," she stated.
Andrews referenced the incident, comparing Thompson's perseverance to Michael Jordan's famous 'Flu Game'. "You looked spectacular, you handled that desk," Andrews said. "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.'"
A Common Challenge in Broadcast Journalism
Thompson's candid admission highlights a less-discussed aspect of sideline reporting, particularly for women in sports media. The pressure to present a certain image often clashes with the practical demands of reporting outdoors in harsh winter conditions across numerous NFL stadiums.
Her role with Amazon Prime involves hosting pre-game and post-game coverage, placing her firmly in the public eye where appearance is frequently scrutinised. This experience serves as a reminder of the unseen challenges faced by broadcast professionals who must balance style, substance, and personal comfort while delivering live sports coverage to millions of viewers.
