Erin Andrews: NFL Sidelines, Setbacks, & Surrogacy

Erin Andrews joins Alex Cooper on Call Her Daddy to discuss her multifaceted life as an NFL sideline reporter, entrepreneur, podcast host, and mother. She reflects on her early career in hockey broadcasting with the Tampa Bay Lightning, her transition to ESPN, and how she landed her current role by showing up to a bar to network with ESPN broadcasters during the Atlanta Thrasher's playoff run. Andrews emphasizes that her success came from saying yes to everything early in her career when she had no commitments and from working harder than her male counterparts to prove she belonged in a male-dominated industry.

The conversation shifts to a deeply personal topic: Andrews' experience with a stalker who filmed her in her hotel room without consent. She describes the immediate aftermath—learning about the videos from a friend, the public's misconception that she had leaked them herself, and the subsequent FBI investigation that led to the stalker's arrest. Andrews discusses the psychological toll, including shame and fear that her career was over, but notes that throwing herself back into work on the football field became her safe space. She credits supportive colleagues and family, particularly her father, for helping her navigate this violation.

Andrews discusses her journey to motherhood, which proved far more complicated than anticipated. After marrying NHL player Jarrett Stoll (whom she met through Michael Strahan), the couple tried to conceive naturally but faced significant challenges. Andrews underwent approximately nine to ten rounds of IVF with limited success, and then was diagnosed with cervical cancer, which required surgery that removed her cervix. Her doctor recommended surrogacy as the safest path to motherhood. After losing embryos with their first surrogate, Andrews and Stoll successfully had their son Mac through surrogacy. She emphasizes the emotional toll of infertility and the importance of talking openly with partners and friends rather than keeping the struggle private.

The interview covers her current roles: hosting the game show '99 to Beat' with Ken Jeong, co-hosting the 'Calm Down' podcast with Carissa Thompson, and running her clothing line 'Wear by Aaron Andrews,' which addresses the lack of stylish game-day wear for women. Andrews discusses the physical demands of sideline reporting, including wearing flats instead of heels due to the hazardous field conditions, and shares behind-the-scenes stories like the famous Richard Sherman post-game interview during the NFC Championship. She reflects on motherhood with her three-year-old son, describing the challenges of balancing her demanding career with parenting responsibilities, including the less glamorous aspects like helping him use public restrooms.