Erin Andrews was famous before she talked to the unguarded Richard Sherman after last season’s NFC Championship Game. But it’s the interview with Sherman–in which the Seattle cornerback started shouting boasts about being the “best corner in the game” and calling out his inferior opponents by name–that pushed Andrews’s star higher in the Fox firmament. Andrews knew as soon as Sherman started his candid chatter that she had broadcasting gold. Most athletes just tell the sideline reporters that they’re grateful and happy to be there, after all the hard work. But Sherman issued a veritable F*&% You All, I’m the greatest. That’s old school Ali stuff–and if you haven’t heard, it plays.
Erin Andrews is a quick study. She took a page from Sherman’s book. She flew back to LA the night of the Sherman interview with president of Fox Sports, Andrews told HuffPost Live, and the prez was pleased, saying, “This is why we do those interviews. We hope for something like this.” The part Andrews doesn’t tell is how she looked him in the eye and shouted, “‘I’m the best sideline reporter in the game!” Or that’s what might have happened anyway. Because out of the blue last month Fox replaced respected 20-year-veteran sideline reporter Pam Oliver with Erin Andrews on its number one broadcast team. Or maybe Andrews just yelled, “Look at me I’m younger!” She must have said something. Andrews will also begin co-hosting duties on ABC’s Dancing With the Stars this season. She was a contestant on DWTS back when she worked for ESPN.
