A fan-favorite FOX NFL star has confirmed she is leaving the network.
The current Fox NFL Sunday crew is facing much uncertainty with the likes of Terry Bradshaw and Jimmy Johnson weighing up their futures.
Michael Vick bid an emotional farewell to Fox after Super Bowl LIX, and now, Charissa Thompson’s contract has expired.
Thompson had been with FOX Sports for over a decade but her contract expired after the 2024 NFL season.
Thompson joined the network to help launch FS1 and hosted Fox Sports Live before hosting FOX NFL Kickoff.
She has also hosted Amazon Prime’s pre-game, halftime, and post-game shows for Thursday Night Football the last three years.
The 42-year-old discussed her situation on a recent episode of the ‘Calm Down’ podcast with co-host Erin Andrews.
Thompson spoke highly of her longtime employer and thanked them for everything they had done for her career.
“I just have to say one thing — and this is also what I am going on and on about FOX, and I swear, I mean it’s not just because my contract’s up — I love FOX so much because my brother and my dad came to the Super Bowl, and FOX is family to me, so my own family like sharing in those moments,” Thompson said.
“It was so fun, and FOX just makes them feel so welcome and makes sure they’re included in the events and everything. So I just would be remiss if I didn’t mention how wonderful my extended work family is to my own family.”
Thompson will still host Thursday Night Football for Amazon Prime Video.
She could also still be re-signed to a new FOX deal, or she may end up landing with another work for the 2025 NFL season.
The FOX NFL Sunday crew is currently in a state of flux with major uncertainty over two of its most beloved analysts.
Jimmie Johnson was the subject of a career tribute before Super Bowl LIX.
An AI mock-up of the 81-year-old broadcast legend talked viewers through his coaching career, ageing as the segment continued.
The two-time Super Bowl champion then gave an emotional speech to the cameras.
“I can truly say because of my family and because of ya’ll, I’ve never been happier than in this time of my life. Happiest I’ve ever been in my life,” he said to his co-hosts.
“Was that goodbye?” Curt Menefee asked.
“One day at a time,” replied Johnson, fuelling speculation his retirement might not be too far away.
Likewise, Bradshaw recently revealed when he plans on walking away from the network that he has spent the better part of three decades with.
“I told my wife before I left the room a while ago,” the former Steelers QB said at a FOX Sports press conference in New Orleans before Super Bowl LIX.
“I was sitting there and I got two years left at FOX. I’m 76. It’s a young man’s game, I get that. Everybody wants the new thing.
“So I said if we can get to the next Super Bowl, I’ll be 80.
“I think that’s time and that’s 80 years old and that’s pushing it.”
Bradshaw says he has two years remaining on his contract, so he would need to be resigned and extended for two more years if he is hoping to reach his goal of covering Super Bowl LXIII with Fox.
The good news is that Tom Brady will most certainly be back next season.
The seven-time Super Bowl winner signed a ten-year, $375 million contract with the network last year, with nine years still remaining on the deal.
Brady ended his first year with FOX on a high, celebrating the milestone on social media.
“The 2024 NFL season is in the books,” Brady wrote after wrapping up the campaign.
“It certainly was a new challenge to undertake but I couldn’t have asked for a better team to be a part of and learn from!
“To all of my NFL on FOX teammates, producers, crew, and colleagues— you made this experience so special, and I’m grateful for the energy, dedication and perseverance you brought every week while always delivering the best broadcast for the fans who we serve week in and week out.
“It’s always been about the TEAM and I’m lucky to be part of this great one at FOX.
“Wait… how long until Week 1???? LFG!! #OnToTheNextOne.”
However, TB12 will not be covering the Super Bowl for the next three seasons.
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